RED EYE

Let the Celebration Commence

Photo by Cary Edmondson

Wearing masks and sitting six feet apart didn’t stop Fresno State graduates, their families and friends from celebrating with cheers, waves, signs, decorated caps — and a few tears.

The University’s 109th/110th Commencement was an emotional celebration for the classes of 2020 and 2021, which in the past 14 months had largely been absent from campus and taking classes virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since there was no in-person ceremony this past year, 2020 graduates were invited to join in this year’s festivities.

It was the first Fresno State commencement held at Bulldog Stadium since the Save Mart Center opened in 2003. Over the span of three days, the stadium hosted six ceremonies recognizing all eight schools and colleges on campus. Graduates seated on the football field were surrounded by family and friends who were socially distanced in the stands.

The Class of 2021 had over 6,200 graduates, joining 6,400 who completed their studies in 2020. The Class of 2021 included over 1,000 students who earned master’s degrees and 73 completed doctoral degrees.

See video and more photos at stories.fresnostate.edu