Hooding ceremonies highlight the academic success of CBU spring graduates

Riverside, Calif. (April 28, 2021) – Hundreds of master's degree candidates at California Baptist University are celebrating their academic achievements at department specific hooding ceremonies, leading up to commencement ceremonies May 3-6.

More than 620 master’s degree candidates and four doctoral candidates are eligible to participate in the spring commencements. At CBU, colleges and schools hold individual hooding ceremonies to recognize their candidates and give students their distinctive colored hoods to wear at their commencement ceremony. 

The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences has the largest group of master’s candidates with 190. The Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education has the second largest group with 93 candidates. Additionally, the Online and Professional Studies division has 150 master candidates and three doctoral candidates for graduation throughout its various programs.

At the applied mathematics hooding on April 23, Dr. Linn Carothers, department chair of mathematical sciences, told the graduates that the ceremony is like passing the torch.

“Some of you are going to go into teaching, some of you are going to go into research, some of you are going to teach at various levels. But actually, everyone in this room is the teacher because you're handing off your skills to other people,” Carothers said. “We have yet to see what God's going to go do with each of you as you live your purpose.”

Alondra Cano, who earned a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics, said the professors helped prepare the students for the future.

“They are extremely invested in the students and genuinely want the best for you. They push you and motivate you to be your best and to move forward as well as have faith at the same time,” Cano said.

Rachel Robinson, who earned a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics, received her bachelor’s from CBU as well. She plans to pursue her doctorate.

“The professors have really helped me strengthen my math and writing skills. They really prepared me for everything I am about to encounter in the future,” Robinson said.

For more information on commencement, visit calbaptist.edu/commencement.