BAKERSFIELD, CA -- Thousands can add college graduate to their resumes. Cal State University Bakersfield's 44th commencement ceremony was held Friday morning. It was the largest in the school's history.
CSUB's president Dr. Horace Mitchell led the way, followed by the more than 2,000 graduates taking steps closer to their college degrees.
Beaming in the Bakersfield sun, the students were smiling over their success.
"It's just an amazing feeling," said graduate Misty Villatoro-Toney.
Villatoro-Toney earned a bachelors degree in nursing and is the first college graduate in her family.
"It's actually an honor to actually, you know, bring a college degree to my family name. And, I know it means a lot to my parents and it means a lot to me too," said Villatoro-Toney.
"I'm very happy to see her follow her dream and I'm so proud of her, said Villatoro-Toney's father, Ramon Villatoro.
Hundreds of loved ones were in the crowd catching every moment, from every angle, giving a thumbs-up to the decorated caps, and well deserved diplomas.
For many, it wasn't easy. Just ask graduate, Erica Torres.
"I did things backwards and I got a job before finishing school," said Torres.
Torres is the Sunrise producer at KGET. She's up all night writing the stories you watch, then off to school. A grueling schedule the graduate put up with, paid off Friday, joining the communications seniors, as her parents watched.
"This is what they wanted, above anything. I mean I own a house, I'm in a loving relationship, you know, I have a great job, but education is what they've always wanted and so it's great to know I finally made them proud with the one thing," said Torres, holding back tears.
One thing that provides many opportunities all of the now, CSUB alumni, hold in their hands. Congratulations to you all!
CSUB's president Dr. Horace Mitchell led the way, followed by the more than 2,000 graduates taking steps closer to their college degrees.
Beaming in the Bakersfield sun, the students were smiling over their success.
"It's just an amazing feeling," said graduate Misty Villatoro-Toney.
Villatoro-Toney earned a bachelors degree in nursing and is the first college graduate in her family.
"It's actually an honor to actually, you know, bring a college degree to my family name. And, I know it means a lot to my parents and it means a lot to me too," said Villatoro-Toney.
"I'm very happy to see her follow her dream and I'm so proud of her, said Villatoro-Toney's father, Ramon Villatoro.
Hundreds of loved ones were in the crowd catching every moment, from every angle, giving a thumbs-up to the decorated caps, and well deserved diplomas.
For many, it wasn't easy. Just ask graduate, Erica Torres.
"I did things backwards and I got a job before finishing school," said Torres.
Torres is the Sunrise producer at KGET. She's up all night writing the stories you watch, then off to school. A grueling schedule the graduate put up with, paid off Friday, joining the communications seniors, as her parents watched.
"This is what they wanted, above anything. I mean I own a house, I'm in a loving relationship, you know, I have a great job, but education is what they've always wanted and so it's great to know I finally made them proud with the one thing," said Torres, holding back tears.
One thing that provides many opportunities all of the now, CSUB alumni, hold in their hands. Congratulations to you all!