Commencement - California State University, San Bernardino

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Dear Graduates,
CommenCement 2011
Letter from the President
Welcome to the June 2011 Commencement exercises at California State University, San Bernardino. As
graduates, you are the pride of our university community, and it’s my great pleasure to celebrate with you,
your families and friends as you pass this important milestone in your life’s journey. This is truly a joyous
occasion.
I’m delighted for each of you – and especially those of you who are the first in your families to graduate
from college, as I was. For every graduate today, please know the pride that your loved ones feel for you at
this special time.
Earning a college degree is a real achievement, one that required commitment, hard work, and sacrifice.
I know that I echo the sentiments of our faculty and staff in wishing only the best for you in both your
careers and your personal lives.
Although it’s become common knowledge, these facts bear repeating today: The holder of a college
degree can expect to earn, on average, more than $1 million more in a lifetime than his or her high school
graduate classmate who never attended college. But earning a degree is about more than just money.
Studies also show that, in addition to significantly higher rates of both pay and employment, college
graduates are more likely to vote in elections and participate in civic affairs, volunteer for worthwhile
causes, and have a better understanding of the world around them. In short, you are more apt to be a fully
developed, engaged citizen because of the perspective you gained during your educational journeys.
Our growing and increasingly influential campus will always be here for you – to offer support in achieving
your career goals and to celebrate future accomplishments. We hope you’ll stay connected to CSUSB by
joining our Alumni Association, which is a great way to keep us apprised of address changes, marriages,
births, additional degrees, employment changes and the like.
Again, my congratulations and applause to each of our graduates. I very much look forward to greeting you
as you cross the platform today.
Albert K. Karnig
President