Dear Graduates,

In the course of any life, there are milestones that define us: A significant birthday or anniversary, a first job, the birth of a child, and the elation when years of work and sacrifice finally pay off. 

This moment is such a milestone. 

With the successful completion of your university degree, you have achieved a dream that most people never even attempt. Most of you have triumphed over challenges that you could not have imagined when you began your college journey. In the future, when you look back on this time in your life, you may wonder how you did it, how you remained focused when so many others could not find a way forward.

But there is no mystery.

You did it because you are strong. Because you showed incredible grit and grace in the face of every challenge. You did it because you never forgot why you came to CSUB in the first place: To expand the horizon of hope for yourselves and your families.

As you excel in your professional and personal lives, I hope that you will savor the soul-enriching reward that comes with service to others.

And please remember: No ’Runner ever truly leaves our family. You are part of this university, and I hope that this university is part of you.

I leave you with the words of Cesar Chavez, who led a civil rights movement right here in the fields of Kern County:

“We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community. … Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.”

Congratulations, ’Runners. You are the pride of CSUB and this entire region!

Sincerely,
Vernon B. Harper, Jr., Ph.D.