By Linda MartinezThe California Lutheran University Class of 2025 chose perseverance as its theme, reflecting its success in navigating post-COVID-19 pandemic changes and national and global uncertainties. This tenacious cohort of 1,018 graduates will celebrate achieving its academic goals at the 2025 commencement ceremonies on May 16 in William Rolland Stadiumon the Thousand Oaks campus.
The 62nd annual Undergraduate Commencement at 8:30 a.m. will honor 552 traditional undergraduates and 52 in the Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals program. Graduate Commencement at 2:30 p.m. will honor 414 students, including 388 earning master’s degrees and 31 receiving doctorates.
“The Class of 2025 embodies the power of perseverance,” Interim President John Nunes said. “Their accomplishments are rare, courageous and sacred. I believe God is up to great things in each of their lives to carry forward the Cal Lutheran legacy of learning that transforms lives.”
Ann Boynton,chair of the Board of Regents,and Nunes will welcome graduates and their guests at the ceremonies. Fairooz Rafia, Associated Students of California Lutheran University Government (ASCLUG) President, will provide a welcome at the undergraduate ceremony, and Teresa McIntyre, student representative for the Graduate and Professionals Student Council, will do the same at the graduate ceremony.
The featured undergraduate ceremony speakers are Kelly Alexander and Walter Torres.
Alexander is graduating with honors and departmental distinction in political science and philosophy. A first-generation student, she served as president of the Philosophy Club, co-president of the Dance Club, vice president of the Pre-Law Society, social media officer for the Dance Team and member of the Dance Department. She conducted original research through Cal Lutheran’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship and presented her work at several academic conferences. Alexander will attend the University of San Diego School of Law and plans to pursue a career in advocacy and justice.
Torres is graduating from the Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals program with a degree in criminology and criminal justice. He earned a business management degree from the Lyceum of the Philippines in 1981 and was commissioned as an ensign in the Philippine Navy Seabees in 1983 after completing Officer Candidate School. In 1986, Torres immigrated to the U.S. and became a logistics specialist in the U.S. Navy. He served in the Iraq War before retiring in 2009 after 23 years.
The graduate ceremony featured speaker will be Nayeli Caballero.
Caballero is a first-generation student from Oxnard pursuing a master’s degree in counseling with a pupil personnel services credential. Overcoming cultural and linguistic barriers as an English language learner, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish and psychology with a focus on family and child development from Cal Lutheran in 2022. Caballero discovered a passion for helping others while involved in TRIO Student Support Services as an undergraduate. A student success specialist at Cal Lutheran, she mentors first-year students and supports them through their academic journey.
Teresa Arredondo, owner and CEO of ArtCraft Paint, an aircraft paint company in Santa Maria, will be the guest speaker at both ceremonies. She will share her journey of persistence and overcoming a difficult childhood, among other challenges, with the graduates and guests.
Cal Lutheran is a Hispanic-Serving Institution, and the Class of 2025 reflects this diversity: 42% of undergraduate students and 36% of graduate students are Latine. Even broader diversity is reflected by the 24% of international graduate students. The top countries represented are India, Austria, Taiwan and China.
Cal Lutheran is located at60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. For more information, visit CalLutheran.edu/commencement or email commencement@callutheran.edu.
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About California Lutheran University: Founded in 1959 and federally recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution since 2016, California Lutheran University is home to over 2,200 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students. Our students come from 58 countries and represent many faiths and spiritualities. Our dedicated, accomplished faculty teach in small classes, guiding our students as they grow into open-minded leaders who are strong in character and judgment, confident in identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. Everyone at Cal Lutheran is committed to helping students pursue their passions, discover their purpose and transform their communities. Learn more at CalLutheran.edu.
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California Lutheran University
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