To the Class of 2019:
Congratulations on your upcoming commencement!
Commencement is a great day in the life of our graduates and in the life of our university. It is a day where the entire community celebrates you for your accomplishments and celebrates you as ambassadors of California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB).
As students, you have faced many challenges and you have persevered. Now, you will have the diploma to prove it. Remember those who have helped you along the way. Your family members, friends, faculty and staff all share in this accomplishment. Thank them and remember how they’ve helped you achieve your dreams. Cherish this important life lesson; great things happen when we all pull together.
You have seized your extraordinary opportunity here at CSUMB. Carry our mantra of “extraordinary opportunity” with you into the future. You’ve proven your ability to see an opportunity and to take advantage of it. Never stop looking for your next opportunity.
Lastly, I challenge you all to never stop learning. Learning is a lifelong process. It does not stop here. You now have the tools to learn; I encourage you to apply them every day in your pursuit of knowledge.
I trust that your experiences here have prepared you well for the next steps in your life. You represent the hopes of countless generations that have come before you, of your family, of your community and of the world.
I wish you success and fulfillment as you strive to reach your professional and personal goals. I trust that you will look back and appreciate the foundation of learning that you have acquired here at CSUMB, and will support your alma mater as we prepare succeeding generations of graduates to lead our state and nation.
Congratulations and best wishes, members of the Class of 2019!
Eduardo M. Ochoa
President