CBU celebrates graduates at fall 2023 commencement ceremonies

Riverside, Calif. (Dec. 14, 2023) – Excitement and anticipation filled the Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center during the two fall commencement ceremonies on Dec. 13.

Family and friends celebrated as each name was called and the graduates walked across the stage. A total of 887 students were eligible to participate. Combined applications for graduation were 21 candidates for doctoral degrees, 290 for master’s degrees and 576 candidates for undergraduate degrees.

“Each of these graduating students has arrived at this point because of a shared commitment to the challenging yet rewarding endeavor of higher education,” said Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of CBU.

In the commencement address, Dr. John Montgomery, associate vice president of student services, congratulated students for reaching their goal.

“Graduates of this institution are challenged to become individuals whose skills, principles and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish them in the workplace and in the world. You have met that challenge by continuing to develop your knowledge and skills with integrity,” he said.

Montgomery encouraged the students to continue life with the same resolve that guided them to graduation.

“May your CBU experience and your CBU degree serve as solid building blocks in a sturdy foundation for all your ambitions and dreams,” Montgomery said.

Nolan Premack, who received a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, is thankful for the relationships he made at CBU. Premack, who wants to be a doctor, appreciated Dr. Bruce Prins, program director of the biomedical sciences graduate program, with helping him with medical school applications.

“He gave me some good advice on what would look good, what I should do, and what I should think of. He's been helpful in guiding my next steps,” Premack said.

Ofelia Gomez Torres earned her Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology and wants to work in the coroner’s office.

“The program allowed me to build connections and learn the whole aspect of psychology and how it connects to forensics when it comes to diagnosis and understanding different mental illnesses,” Gomez Torres said.

Stacey Perez, who earned her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, plans to be a marriage and family therapist. She appreciated the professors sharing their own experiences and providing guidance, especially Dr. Elisa Shepard, professor of psychology.

“The professors gave me the freedom to trust myself and go where I feel more comfortable,” Perez said. “Dr. Shepard helped me remember that therapists are not perfect, and that we are the therapist, but we have to trust the client.”