The final graduates of Chico State’s Class of 2026 crossed the stage Sunday morning as commencement ceremonies wrapped up for more than 3,700 students earning degrees this year.
Strong winds swept through University Stadium during ceremonies for the College of Humanities and Fine Arts and the College of Natural Sciences, but the celebrations continued as planned with family, friends and faculty cheering on graduates.
University President Steve Perez acknowledged the week’s emotional tone in his remarks to graduates.
“This has been a tough week for this,” he said. “No matter what you choose to do, you can always be a Wildcat.”
Graduates held onto their caps as gusts of wind swept through the ceremony. Even with the weather, students and families cheered loudly as names were called and degrees were awarded.
The student speaker, Wesley Porter, graduated with a degree in physics after returning to Chico State 10 years after previously dropping out.
“Being here today is a surreal experience,” Porter said.
Porter reflected on his academic journey and the challenges he faced while returning to school later in life.
“I realized that working through the confusion, often feeling like I was getting nowhere, is the very signature of expanding and integrating new knowledge,” he said.
Porter also thanked his family and professors for supporting him throughout his return to college.
For many graduates, the ceremony marked the end of years of hard work and uncertainty.
Keylee Anderson, who graduated with a degree in English literature, said the moment still felt unreal.
“It feels crazy to graduate,” Anderson said. “I’m still in a state of shock.”
Although the windy weather added an unexpected challenge to the day, the ceremonies continued with excitement and celebration as graduates officially became Chico State alumni.
Concluding the last ceremony of the university’s 136th commencement.
Grace Payne can be reached at [email protected]
