The graduating class of 2025 will shine bright as Commencement will be held at the Shrine Auditorium from May 19 to 21. In an email statement and accompanying video announcement, Cal State LA President Berencecea Johnson Eanes said that after talking with students, families, and community members since becoming the college president, the 2025 graduating class’ achievements needed to be honored at the proper venue.
“It was clear there was a desire to celebrate your accomplishments in a truly fitting location connected to the essence of L.A,” said Eanes in the Dec. 19 video statement.
The Shrine Auditorium has been a cornerstone in Los Angeles’ entertainment scene over the years. The venue has hosted the Academy Awards many times between 1947 and 2001. The auditorium has also hosted the Grammy’s, the People’s Choice Awards, and many more award shows.
Prior to 2024, Cal State LA held its ceremony for the graduating class of 2022 and 2023 underneath a canopy in the school’s Parking Lot 5. At the time, students reacted poorly, according to previous reporting from the University Times. In 2024, Eanes announced via email that Commencement would take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Cal State LA alum Ruth Castanon, who graduated in 2022, had her ceremony underneath the canopy in the parking lot. Castanon expressed how she appreciated President Eanes listening to her students, parents, and alumni.
“I like the efforts that the current president is providing for the students,” said Castanon. “She actually listens to her people and keeps great communication with everyone.”
Castanon enjoyed that special moment in her life with her family but felt the University could have done better planning. In a previous statement in 2023, Cal State LA Public Affairs said that having the ceremonies in the parking lot provided “shade covering,” nearby parking, and an appropriate venue size.
The University has made efforts find efforts to find a space where tradition can be built. According to Cal State LA Public Affairs, “The Shrine was able to work with us on a multiyear agreement so that we find ways to make Commencement at The Shrine a part of our Cal State LA experience.” The partnership between the Shrine Auditorium and the University allowed them to accommodate for the number of students and guests while securing the necessary dates.
There will be nine college-based ceremonies that will span a total of three days. The ceremonies will begin on Monday at 9 a.m., starting with the College of Business and Economics. The College of Education follows, and then the College of Engineering, Computer Science and Technology, and Ethnic Studies will close out the first day.
The second day, Tuesday, May 20, will have the Rongxiang Xu College of Health and Human Services start off the ceremony, and the College of Natural and Social Science will close out that day’s events. On the final day, which is Wednesday, May 21, the College of Natural and Social Science will begin, and the College of Arts and Letters will cap off the ceremonies.
Students can learn more about the 2025 Commencement cultural ceremonies and view past grads’ posts on social media on the university website at calstatela.edu/commencement.
This article was first published in the February 13 print edition of the University Times.
