Record 6,100 Graduating From Cal State Fullerton

Antoine Allevato has spent much of the past eight years attending classes and writing exams, always keeping in mind that his goal was to graduate and “move on to the real world.”

When graduation day finally arrived Saturday, Allevato, 25, could barely hide his amazement. “It’s a bizarre feeling,” the communications major said. “It took me eight years to get here. I can’t believe that I don’t have to rush around to register for classes or sit (for) another exam. I didn’t think it could ever happen.”

Allevato was among a record 6,100 students eligible to participate in Cal State Fullerton’s 33rd annual commencement this weekend.

This year, the university continued its tradition by holding separate ceremonies for each of its seven schools. Allevato’s School of Communications was among the four that graduated Saturday; the final three ceremonies will take place today at the university’s newly opened Titan Sports Complex.

Graduates and their families sat for almost three hours Saturday in the heat. Some of the grads temporarily threw off their robes to cool off and used their caps to fan themselves. Others blew bubbles, tossed confetti or knocked around beach balls during the ceremony.

University President Milton A. Gordon said this year’s graduation propelled the number of Cal State Fullerton alumni to almost 100,000, adding that 85% of them live in Southern California.

Gordon, who will deliver welcoming remarks at all seven ceremonies, urged the graduates to “become lifelong learners if you are to be prepared to face the challenges of your lifetime.”

Several graduates said they had no luck finding work and were not optimistic about landing good jobs in the near future. Some even wore signs on their caps and gowns that read, “Will Work for Food” and “Resumes Available Upon Request.”

Many parents, who brought along cameras and camcorders, said they were just happy to see their children graduate.

“It’s a miracle,” said 57-year Ron DiLalla of Fullerton, fighting tears as he watched his son, Mark, receive his diploma. “His mother passed away two years ago. She too would have been proud of him.”

After the ceremony, the graduates gathered outside the sports complex for photographs with their friends and family.

“It was a rough-and-tumble struggle, but I made it,” said Monique Merritt, 25, who left New York City to attend the university here three years ago.

“This is awesome,” said Jason Cruz, 23, of Anaheim. “I feel like I’ve been tested for five years. Now I just want to go out there and prove myself.”