The Division of Graduate Studies at California State University, Fresno will host its annual ceremony for hooding of the master’s and doctoral degree candidates on Friday, May 21, at 6 p.m. in the Amphitheater.
Nearly 700 master’s degree candidates will be hooded at the ceremony, in addition to five doctoral candidates. Fresno State offers 41 master’s degrees, and a doctorate in educational leadership.
Christopher D. Stickley will be presented the Graduate Studies Dean’s Medal. Amy Andres will receive the Outstanding Thesis Award. Gunsanad Alvina Sundang will receive the Phyllis Watts Eudy Award for the Outstanding International Graduate Student.
Dr. Vivian Vidoli, dean of the Division of Graduate Studies, said more than 5,500 persons are expected to attend this prestigious event.
“Our university is one of only a few institutions in the country to recognize its graduates in this manner (hooding),” Vidoli said. “The colorful hood of each university is reserved for those who attain the highest academic degree beyond the bachelor’s degree. It is a special part of academic regalia and denotes advanced scholarly and professional achievement.”
The outer binding of the master’s and doctoral hoods represents the field of study in which the degree was received. The colors of the inner lining of the hood denote the institution.
Conducting the ceremony along with Vidoli will be Dr. John Welty, university president; Dr. Michael Ortiz, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs; Dr. James Kus, chair of the Academic Senate; and Dr. Steven Wadsworth, chair of the university Graduate Committee.
The university’s 88th Commencement ceremonies follow on Saturday, May 22, in Bulldog Stadium where the master’s and doctoral degrees will be formally conferred by the president along with the bachelor’s degree candidates.
For more information about the hooding ceremony, call (559) 278-2448.
