Through early mornings and afternoon heat, students and their guests trekked to UC Riverside for this year’s modified in-person commencement ceremonies.
Nearly 4,500 UCR students signed up to participate in these live events, including students from class of 2020.
Here are a few moments captured during the UCR School of Business ceremony that took place on June 12, 2021.
UCR School of Business graduates shared their thoughts and emotions after walking across the stage:
Lindsey Delgado, 21
B.S. in business administration
“I’m so happy and excited. On Monday I start a summer internship with Deloitte in San Francisco, and a master’s at UC San Diego in the fall. It was just really exciting to share the moment with my parents. I really appreciate them; they’ve done so much.”
Darlyn Garcia, 32
B.S. in accounting and auditing
"¡Sí se judo!" Garcia's mom, Hortencia Garcia said in Spanish. "Yes, it was done!" she said as she and her husband, Simon Garcia, walked with their youngest daughter.
“I can’t believe I made it! I also have an accountant job with a Southern California Edison subcontractor. I’m just so happy!”
Raymond Jimenez ’20, 28
B.S. in business analytics
During the height of the pandemic, he started working with Foodnome, a virtual marketplace of home-cooked and prepared meals. For commencement, he decorated his cap with a message in Spanish: “For my parents. They came with nothing and gave me everything.”
“I love it. It feels like I’m actually being recognized for all the triumphs and tribulations that came from COVID. I also feel recognized as a transfer student. In the near future, I’m planning on pursuing a master’s in cybersecurity and public policy.”
Justin Khuong, 21
B.S. in accounting
Khuong's mother, Lien Duong, was full of emotion. Her son graduated and already has a job lined up with an accounting firm in Los Angeles. His father, Peter Khuong, said he's excited for his son's new journey.
“I am relieved and scared at the same time. I’m a little scared for what the future holds, but this is also a new beginning.”
Michelle Phan, 21
B.S. in business operations and supply chain management
She and her friends waited in line to pose for a photo in front of a UCR School of Business banner. She carried a white unicorn-shaped piñata with a colorful mane, a gift from her friends, who added crisp dollar bills along its mane.
“It feels great; we did it! It’s also a bit surreal, especially because we made it happen, even through this pandemic.”
Darrell Richardson ’16, 26
Master’s degree in business administration, with a concentration in management; bachelor’s in sociology
Richardson and his parents, Chandrika and Darrell Richardson, had huge smiles as they made their way to the front of the gym. Seeing students like their son walk across the stage is great because they worked hard and deserve the acknowledgement, Chandrika said.
“I was nervous at first because I didn’t know what was going to happen. But I’m happy to be here today.”
Niko Romero, 22
B.S. in finance
He attended commencement with his little brother by his side, Ezekiel Romero, 14.
“I’m happy, and I’m going to pursue whatever God has for me. I’m currently looking for opportunities, internships in finance.”
What does UCR mean to these grads? Hear for yourself:
Watch the UCR School of Business Virtual Commencement Ceremony:
Read the original article and view more student stories on news.ucr.edu:
See more School of Business Commencement Ceremony photos on our Flickr account: