Hundreds Graduate in Winter Commencement Ceremonies

More than 900 University of La Verne students transformed from students to alumni following 2016 Winter Commencement ceremonies at the university’s Sports Science & Athletics Pavilion on Jan. 30.

Of the 906 students cleared to graduate, 632 participated in ceremonies for the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Public Management and the College of Education and Organizational Leadership.

University of La Verne President Devorah Lieberman called it a sacred moment, one that begins the next professional and personal chapter in the lives of graduates.

“Your time at the University of La Verne has not only given you the knowledge and the skills necessary for you to succeed professionally, but also for you to make a significant contribution to our society,” Lieberman said. “It’s part of your destiny.”

Dr. Nancy “Rusty” Barcelo, serving as keynote speaker for the morning College of Arts and Sciences and College of Business and Public Management ceremony, spoke on the importance of diversity and how La Verne has prepared students to embrace that value in their personal and professional lives.

She urged students to continue asking questions and finding common ground across differences.

“Whatever challenges you have faced, they’re part of the sum total of your experience here, and you’re in this room today because when you were tested, you stretched, you took risks and you persevered,” Barcelo said. “You have harnessed within yourself the courage, the discipline and resilience that will help you sustain you through whatever life hands you.”