Spring Commencement Brings Joy and Surprises

Nearly 1,400 of the 1,600 University of La Verne students cleared to graduate participated in 2015 Spring Commencement ceremonies at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario on May 30. The University awarded bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees during two ceremonies – one in the morning for the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education and Organizational Leadership, and an afternoon ceremony for the College of Business and Public Management.

Interfaith Leader Eboo Patel, founder and president of Interfaith Youth Core, and member of President Barack Obama’s inaugural Advisory Council on Faith-Based Neighborhood Partnerships, served as keynote speaker for both gatherings.

“Now is the right time to prepare for the test,” Patel told graduates. “Deciding which priorities matter and when is a lot harder after college. You have to create your own structures. When do you focus on the wonderful details of your middle class life? When do you allow your imagination to transcend them? Go easy on yourself when you don’t quite get the balance right. That is also life, full of mistakes that we learn from, a constant process of trespass, forgiveness, redemption.”

University of La Verne President Devorah Lieberman gave students a moment to applaud the thousands of family members and friends in the stands for their support. She noted that graduates are entering the next chapter of their lives with skills that set them apart from others.

“Your time, dedication and sacrifice ensured that you will walk away today with a distinctive, relevant and values-based education, one that has equipped you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful professional and make major contributions to your society,” Lieberman said.

Some graduates had more to celebrate than a degree. Biology major Wesley Lam got down on one knee after receiving his diploma and proposed to his girlfriend, Rachel Sandoval, who received a bachelor’s degree in communications. A tearful Sandoval accepted.

For others, commencement was bittersweet. John Apiafi was cleared to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Computer Engineering in 2013, but he lost his battle with leukemia and was unable to attend the commencement ceremony. He was recognized during Saturday’s commencement and his family accepted his diploma on his behalf.

Lieberman quoted Nelson Mandela to encourage students to make their mark in the world.

“Nelson Mandela said education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Leos, go out and change this world. Congratulations class of 2015.”