BY Stacey Childress
Director of Marketing and Systems
From Hard Work to High Honors: PaCE Students Celebrate Success
CSUB Extended Education proudly welcomed recent Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) program completers back to campus on June 10th for a Completers Ceremony honoring their hard work and perseverance.
Friends, family members, faculty and program staff filled the blue-and-gold-clad Multi-Purpose Room in the CSUB Student Union, creating a palpable atmosphere of excitement and pride as completers gathered to mark an important milestone.
“This day is always one of my most favorite days,” said Jennifer Patino, director of Professional and Continuing Education at CSUB. “It is a celebration of the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices our students made to get here. I hope completers will always remember what they have accomplished and keep striving for more!”
As their names were called, students made their way to the front of the room to be individually recognized. Cheers and applause followed each completer, with a few tears shed as students and their loved ones reflected on what it took to reach the moment.
“As adult learners balancing professional and personal responsibilities, the dedication they’ve shown to both the subject matter and their education has been truly impressive,” said Tyler Payne, Occupational Safety and Risk Management program instructor. “I hope the knowledge they’ve gained will serve them well in their careers.”
CSUB PaCE programs are designed not only to provide career and occupational training, but to equip students with skills and knowledge needed to create new opportunities in their professional and personal lives — an impact faculty members have seen firsthand.
“Many students have mentioned how these certificate programs have changed their professional trajectories and provided opportunities for themselves and their families they never thought possible,” said Dr. Pat Person, Pharmacy Technician instructor and advisor. “I congratulate all of the certificate recipients for investing their time to improve their capabilities and help make the world a better place.”
For Adrian Nevarez, Human Resource Management program coordinator, the ceremony also highlighted the role families, friends and others play in supporting students as they pursue their goals.
“Watching our students graduate was incredible; but, seeing the joy on their families’ faces? Unforgettable,” Nevarez said. “This success belongs to everyone who supported them along the way.”
As the formal ceremony drew to a close, conversation and laughter filled the room. Handshakes, hugs and reunions with classmates and faculty capped a day celebrating not just the completion of a program, but the commitment that brought each student to that point.
“It was more than a ceremony – it was a celebration of resilience, teamwork, and community,” said Nevarez. “I’m grateful to the CSUB staff and loved ones who made this journey possible.”
About CSUB Extended Education
CSU Bakersfield Extended Education is committed to providing exceptional educational programs that equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed for career advancement. With a focus on innovative programming and exceptional service, CSU Bakersfield Extended Education is committed to advancing the educational and career goals of its students. To learn more about us, visit extended.csub.edu.
