Master’s hooding ceremonies celebrate students’ achievements at CBU

Riverside, Calif. (May 2, 2018) – Hundreds of master's degree candidates at California Baptist University are celebrating their academic achievements at hooding ceremonies, leading up to commencement ceremonies May 2-4.

More than 475 master’s degree candidates are eligible to participate in the spring commencements. At CBU, colleges and schools hold individual hooding ceremonies to recognize their candidates and also 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 86. The Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education has the second largest group with 84 candidates. Additionally, the Online and Professional Studies division has 156 candidates for graduation throughout its various programs.

At the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences hooding ceremony, held on May 1 at Magnolia Church, Dr. Jacqueline Gustafson, dean of the college, encouraged students to go into their professional fields with a service mindset.

“Now it is time to go and serve your community,” Gustafson said. “You’ll meet those who are hurting, vulnerable and oppressed. May you be the difference, one culture, one community and one person at a time.”

Dr. Bruce Stokes, professor of anthropology and behavioral sciences at CBU, explained the history of the hooding regalia and the importance of the tradition.

“As we place the hood upon you, we are acknowledging that you have mastered in the area of knowledge and you are now going forth to practice that knowledge for the benefit of society and … for the benefit of the kingdom of God,” Stokes said.

CBU will conduct four commencement ceremonies on May 2-4 at the Events Center. For more information on commencement, click here.