CSU Global Celebrates Spring 2021 Commencement

On Saturday, June 5, CSU Global celebrated the achievements of its class of 2021 during a virtual—yet engaging and inspiring—Spring Commencement Ceremony. This event incorporated many elements of a traditional ceremony, as well as a few modern twists—all expertly hosted by CSU Global’s Program Director for Criminal Justice, Dr. Michael Skiba. 

Reception Vignettes

Leading up to Commencement, CSU Global hosted a number of virtual receptions led by Program Directors; these receptions were attended by faculty, staff, students, and their families. Vignettes were collected from these receptions and interspersed throughout the Commencement ceremony, creating dozens of emotional and joyful stories from our 2021 graduates. Several graduates remarked how important this moment was for them. Graduate Jean Harnisch of Toano, Va., said “I’ve been trying to complete a graduate program since about 1981,” and Sally Mack from Eugene, Ore., is a first-generation student who expressed how important it was to her to set an example for her two children. 

Celebration Boxes

While we are finally emerging from pandemic life, it was still necessary to host another virtual Commencement ceremony. As a small gesture of our appreciation for their tenacity and commitment to success, especially during such a challenging year, CSU Global shipped nearly 800 Celebration Boxes to graduates’ homes. Each box included a special message from CSU Global President Pamela Toney, various CSU Global branded items, as well as a selfie kit, which encouraged graduates to share their achievements with friends and family on social media.

Student Speaker

CSU Global is proud to invite an honored member of the graduating class to speak at each Commencement ceremony. Class of 2021’s Cawandra Jarron of Southlake, Texas, graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration and Management. Her speech came with an added bonus: She kept her role as Student Speaker a secret from her friends and family until the moment her face appeared on screen! Cawandra advised her classmates, in the midst of celebrating, to consider the impact of their accomplishments. “Take a moment to reflect on your journey to get here today.”

Keynote Speaker

As CSU Global encourages our Golden Eagles to spread their wings, our Spring 2021 Commencement keynote speaker takes that advice to a (literally) higher level. Amelia Rose Earhart—a passionate aviatrix, television and radio producer, artist, and public speaker—delivered a truly inspiring message to our graduates and guests. Amelia spoke of her re-creation and completion of her namesake’s around-the-world flight plan in a single-engine aircraft. In her address to graduates, she made a compelling case for embracing the turbulence that comes with living an adventurous life by “owning your airspace.” 

To conclude the ceremony, President Pamela Toney congratulated the class on reaching such an impactful moment. “You have accomplished much to get to this point,” said Toney. “You have mastered your chosen area of education for workplace success while juggling work, family responsibilities, community service, and more. We know that it has not been an easy journey, and we applaud your tenacity and determination.” 
The CSU Global Spring 2021 Virtual Commencement ceremony has been viewed nearly 10,000 times to date! To view the ceremony in its entirety, please visit csuglobal.edu/commencement.