Celebrating the Class of 2020 via zoom

by Willa Zhang

Graduating seniors in the CECS Class of 2020 celebrated their achievements a bit differently in 2020. Due to the restrictions of the pandemic, the college pivoted to hold a virtual celebration that streamed live on May 15, 2020. The virtual format offered students the opportunity to submit photos of their experience throughout their time in the college. A slideshow of memories captured CECS students proudly wearing their black and red graduation gowns, attending competitions together, working in the classroom, and smiling alongside family and friends.

“We are so proud of each one of you,” said Dean Houssam Toutanji. “Look where you are now. An alum of CSUN and a Matador for life. Congratulations!”

The virtual commencement also recognized undergraduate and graduate students of the college who were honored as Outstanding Students of CSUN chosen by their respective department chairs. The chairs read out each student’s name and gave warm congratulations.

Toutanji commended the sacrifices that students made in order to pursue their education, and thanked the parents, spouses, partners, children, grandparents, and other significant individuals who encouraged and supported each graduate.

Recognizing the achievements and accomplishments of CECS students, the college plans to begin presenting graduates with Challenge Coins. These old coins will mark students as members of a close-knit community who overcame challenges together. Each year new graduates of CECS will receive their coin, a symbol that will link them to fellow CECS graduates who have come before them in what will hopefully become a long-standing tradition in the college.