1,200 students receive degrees

California Lutheran University sent forth more than 1,200 graduates during the Forty-Eighth Annual Commencement ceremonies held May 13 and 14 in Mount Clef Stadium.

President Chris Kimball welcomed the students at both the undergraduate and graduate ceremonies.

"You consist of students from 20 different countries and 20 states across the U.S.," Kimball told those earning bachelor's degrees. "You have studied abroad on six continents. You have volunteered and served around the world, and right here in the Conejo Valley. Many of you are the first in your family to graduate from college...

"No matter where your next adventure takes you, please know that we are proud of each of you, and all that you have accomplished."

Undergraduate student speaker Skyler Butenshon of Astoria, Ore., shared how reluctantly saying, "Yes," to music professor Wyant Morton's invitation to join CLU Choir was the most important decision he made at the university.

"It introduced me to my very best friends. It inspired me to actually become a music major. It led me to the Improv Troupe. It led me to Europe for the first time in my life on the Italy tour," Butenshon said. "I challenge my fellow graduates to keep saying, ‘Yes,' with your actions, to being open to offers of diversity and new ideas."

Josefina Garong of Oxnard commended her classmates in the Adult Degree Evening Program for their perseverance.

"All my life I put my dreams on the back burner. As a result, two adult children finished their engineering degrees and my husband was promoted several times," she said. "Now is my time and your time."

Erik Rodriguez of Sherman Oaks encouraged his classmates to put the master's degrees they have earned to good use.

"Your life's work will span generations. Make it count," said Rodriguez, who studied public policy and administration.

Rose M.K. Dunn, director of instruction for the Las Virgenes Unified School District, spoke on behalf of the students receiving doctorates in education.

"Most of us had the privilege of being nurtured since youth by a public education system, which in our time was vigorous and well respected. But sadly this is no longer the case," Dunn said. "We must dedicate ourselves to providing educational leadership for the generations to come."

Jack O'Connell, California's former State Superintendent of Public Instruction, received an honorary doctor of laws degree and encouraged the graduates to climb the ladder of success one rung at a time without worrying where it will take them.

"Don't worry about getting to the top of that ladder overnight. You'll get there," O'Connell said. "Be persistent. There is no shortcut to success."