HSS Commencement Ceremony 2
Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 8:00 Am
Intramural Field
The Deans of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences
send congratulations to the class of 2023!
PROCESSIONAL
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Patricia Perez, Asscoate Dean for Faculty and Staff
GREETINGS/OPENING REMARKS
Dr. Sheryl Fontaine, Dean
Board of Trustee
Maria Linares
Maria Linares (she/her/hers) is a Latina first-generation college graduate, raised in an immigrant household in a working-class neighborhood in Santa Ana. She is a mother of three, a Girl Scout volunteer, and currently serves as a member of the California State University, Board of Trustees, a position appointed by Governor Newsom. In this role, Maria has the privilege of serving 23 universities and its presidents with approximately 460,000 students, 56,000 faculty, 19,455 staff and 4 million alumni.
Maria has served in various leadership roles throughout her time in higher education, including positions in Associated Students Inc. While in student government, she also served as a grassroots activist and organizer. In 2019, she received her bachelor's degree from Cal State Fullerton in sociology with a minor in political science and is currently a graduate student in the Master of Public Administration program at Cal State Fullerton. Her advocacy work includes supporting basic needs, support for student parents and students with dependents, increasing scholarships for undocumented students, support for formerly incarcerated and system impacted students, international students, students with disabilities, graduate students, and advocacy for mental health resources. In 2019, she was recognized as the Associated Students Inc. (ASI) Student Advocate of the Year for her extraordinary commitment to students. In March 2023, Maria was recognized as a “2023 Women of Distinction Assembly 67” honoree, a nomination made by Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva. In April 2023, Maria earned the Spirit of Public Service award by the California State University, Fullerton Division of Politics, Administration and Justice. This award is given annually to the master’s in public administration student in the graduating class who has demonstrated a consistent, considerable, and significant commitment to public service in addition to academic excellence.
Maria hopes to work in higher education, advocating for the most vulnerable populations through legislation. In five years, she sees herself applying for a doctorate in public policy, an EdD, or working in legislative affairs.
RECOGNITIONS OF HONORS
Dr. Jessica Stern, Associate Dean
STUDENT SPEAKERS
Isabella Midgley – Department of Women and Gender Studies
Joseline Hernandez – Department of Philosophy
Steve Darrow – Department of Liberal Studies
Khira Mistry – Department of Political Science
Steven Green – Department of Criminal Justice
PRESENTATION OF DEGREES
Department of Women and Gender Studies
Department of Public Administration
Department of Political Science
Department of Criminal Justice
Student names are current as of April 17, 2023
