2024 University Commencement

More than 200 candidates streamed into San Francisco’s Oracle Park in the pouring rain for the 2024 Golden Gate University Commencement Ceremony for undergraduate and graduate students on Saturday, May 4th. GGU volunteers greeted a flotilla of umbrellas and candidates in rain gear amid placards stationed indoors that announced GGU’s new alumni network. Prior to taking their seats, each graduating student received a postcard providing direct access to the new alumni network and a GGU alumni pin to proudly display after receiving their diplomas.

In addition to in-person attendees, 2,000 online students from around the globe had access to the livestream. GGU’s worldwide students hail from 35 countries—from Canada to Columbia to Nepal to Uzbekistan to Nigeria, and many others.

Graduates donned festive wreaths of dollar bills and candy symbolizing wealth and prosperity; brightly colored stoles; and cords—honoring academic distinction, military service, family, and ethnic pride.

Undergraduate Outstanding Student Award Winner Joseph Samuel Guerrero displayed vibrant stoles honoring his military service, family, and ethnic heritage. Kristina J. Rosenberg, who received her MBA, wore a green and yellow stole representing her military service, GGU education, and her dog, Kasey.

Before the ceremony, 28 guests gathered in Oracle Park’s Dugout Lounge for the Pre-Commencement Reception. Attendees included President David J. Fike and Sylvia Rosales-Fike, deans, alumni, faculty, staff, friends, and supporters. Distinguished guests included Ivan Fuijihara, MBA ‘95; David Iuppa, MBA ‘86; Donald Bibeault, PhD Microeconomics ‘79; Christian Frederiksen, BS Accounting ‘65; and Commencement keynote speaker Janiece Evans-Page.

Right on schedule, the weather cleared as the ceremony commenced at 3 pm. Giddy candidates waved and snapped photos. IPhones flashed in the air as candidates took their seats in the stadium under clear skies. Mortarboards bedizened with flowers and butterflies read The tassel was worth the hassle, She mastered It, and Psyched I mastered it!

Board of Trustees Chair Melinda A. Dunn called to order the Commencement ceremony, invoking the University’s legacy of access, opportunity, diversity, innovation, and excellence—hallmarks of the GGU educational experience.

“GGU is inspired by the idea that the path to a degree is not a straight line,” said President David Fike in his opening remarks.

“GGU is unique,” affirmed the president, “because the University’s founders created this institution for the explicit purpose of serving working adult learners.”

Graduate student speaker Danika Waddell, who graduated with an MS in Advanced Financial Planning, praised the creativity, determination, and brilliance of her classmates who came from diverse walks of life.

“Remember that our actions have the power to inspire, empower, and uplift others,” said Waddell.  “I am inspired by my hard-working and passionate classmates, and I have no doubt that we will have a positive impact on the world.”

Alex Rodriguez, BA in Law Studies, served as the undergraduate student speaker. A first-generation student raised by immigrant parents, Rodriguez doubted whether higher education was within his grasp.

“GGU has been more than just an education for me, it has been a gateway to endless possibilities,” said Rodriguez. “GGU has validated its pledge to cultivate inclusive and streamlined routes to higher learning for a broad range of students evidencing a dedication to empowering diverse students such as myself through accessible opportunities.”

Leader and entrepreneur Janiece Evans-Page, CEO of Tides Foundation, delivered a powerful keynote speech that paid homage to Dr. Maya Angelou and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., among others. She praised graduates for reaching the finish line in the face of formidable challenges—a global pandemic, economic downturn, social and racial injustice, and geopolitical conflicts. With passion and humor, she exhorted grads to keep it REAL, addressing the essential values of Resilience, Excellence, Action, and Love that will shape our collective future.

“GGU truly prepared you to lead and serve,” said Evans-Page. “GGU’s motto, your mission is our mission, is a call to action and leadership.  In your hearts be authentic and continue to reach for your version of love and you will defeat envy and malice.”

Following announcements of faculty awards and outstanding student awards, degrees were conferred to overjoyed graduation candidates eager to join family and friends in front of the stadium for photo ops and more celebration.