CSUB students honored for earning undergraduate degrees in less than four years

Nov. 15—Joseluis Quiroz was just 20 last spring when he earned his bachelor's degree in business in only three years at Cal State Bakersfield.

Rocio Guzman said it was not actually her plan to earn an early degree, but the criminal justice major did it anyway, in 3 1/2 years, and aspires to become a special agent with the U.S. Secret Service.

Kiara Zabala described a "crazy" schedule, working five days a week and taking eight classes, but the exhausting pace earned the aspiring journalist her bachelor's degree in less than four years.

And it earned her something more, too: The belief that she can accomplish just about anything she sets her mind to.

"You are CSUB's guests of honor at one of the most beloved celebrations we hold each year," CSUB President Lynnette Zelezny told 98 early graduates and their families at the fifth annual President's Early Graduation Award Reception, held Wednesday at the university.

These 98 students managed to earn their undergraduate degrees in less than four years, which is a rare achievement, Zelezny said.

"You may wonder why it is important to graduate early, and why CSUB is so very proud of you," the president said. "The answer is simple: The longer it takes to work toward a university degree, the more difficult it becomes."

Wednesday's event is the biggest pre-commencement event the university holds for the fall graduation — which has expanded to two ceremonies this year, on Dec. 15 and 16 at Mechanics Bank Arena.

When Zelezny arrived at CSUB, the university said in a pre-event news release, it was one of her top priorities to recognize early graduates. The first year CSUB held the reception, in 2019, only 19 grads were present at the luncheon.

On Wednesday, more than five times that number were honored.

"I had tremendous support from family, friends, mentors, and also advisers and faculty here," said Quiroz, who also worked at a local credit union during his three years at Cal State.

"I would have to say that's where my success is," he said.

Mara Cervantes, 21, one of many first-generation college students at Wednesday's reception, told the gathering her grandmother, who was present at the reception, was her biggest supporter, even though she didn't graduate high school.

"I want to be a teacher," Cervantes said. "I always loved school. That's why I am here."

President Zelezny announced last summer that she will retire at the end of this year. Dec. 31 will be her last day, and Wednesday was likely the last time she will hold forth at the early grad award ceremony.

And she didn't disappoint.

"You're setting the example at CSUB that through hard work and focus, it can be done," Zelezny told the 98 students.

"But your accomplishment goes even further than that," she said. "You are a role model of excellence to your brothers and sisters, your future children, your parents, your neighbors and friends.

"And when they look at you, they see a strong, determined role model who worked hard to seize their dreams.

"And they will think to themselves that they can do it, too."

Reporter Steven Mayer can be reached at 661-395-7353.