Over 2,600 HSU students were expected to earn degrees in the 2017-18 academic year, and over 1,900 had participate in the 2018 commencement ceremony, according to Humboldt State University’s marketing and communications department.

The ceremony kicked off on Saturday, May 12 as thousands of students, families and friends packed HSU’s Redwood Bowl to watch. The ceremony began with the College of Arts and Humanities in the morning followed by the College of Natural Resources and Sciences and the College of Professional Studies.

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    Chante Catt, Humboldt State sociology major, rose out of her seat when HSU president Lisa Rossbacher asked student parents to stand proud.
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    Leis and cultural sashes, like this Latinx version, abounded.
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    DIY caps were everywhere, like this one reading “by grace alone.”
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    “Sashay away,” reads this cap.
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    A new grad off to a prosperous start.
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    Props to parents on a cap.
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    A cap adorned with a Hobbit door and a Bilbo Baggins quote: “I think I’m quite ready for another adventure.”
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    Big grads shared the day with little people in their lives.
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    A proud grad brings a little color to the black gown.
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    “Para todas nos otros,” or “for all of us.”
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    The walk to the grand stand.
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    Degrees in hand and smiles all around.
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    Present and future alumni.
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    Somebody always brings a beach ball.
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    Juan Herrara, Humboldt State journalism major, makes his way to the stage before his name is announced.
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    Presidend Lisa Rossbacher at the ceremony.
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    Happy grads soaking up the sun.
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    Crafty compass on a cap.
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    “So decide what would you die for? Then live every moment of your life like you were born into this life to give it.”
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    One guess what this student’s major was.
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    Marching Lumberjacks represent.
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    “Thanks Mom.”
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    Family of Pablo Ceja erupted with celebrations when his name was called during the commencement for the College of Natural Resources and Sciences.
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    Ethan Bonin, Humboldt State wildlife major, decorated his hat with antlers.
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    Showing off the new diploma.
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    Caps in the air.
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    Isabel Contreras, Humboldt State enviornmental resource engineering major, celebrates with her friend Jackson Ingram shortly after the ceremony ended for their college.