Commencement
College of Science and Mathematics Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, May 17, 2025 • 8:00 a.m to 9:30 a.m. • Save Mart Center
College of Science and Mathematics Commencement PDF
Dear Graduates,
Welcome to the third College of Science and Mathematics Commencement! We gather on
this special day to celebrate your achievements – we appreciate that our undergraduate
and graduate students have worked very hard to complete their
challenging programs and realize their dreams. Your inspiring growth and transformation
have been accelerated by our faculty and staff who strive to deliver the best educational
environment possible. We value the diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds
that we all bring to California State University, Fresno. Diverse teams of Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professionals are essential to solve
complex/wicked societal problems in the areas of food, water, energy, health, the
environment, and sustainability that are critical to the Central Valley and beyond.
We are confident that you will be part of “Team Science” that will contribute to the
solutions to these grand challenges.
We wish you all great success as you take the next steps in your life into a career in the exciting STEM workforce, professional program, or graduate school. It has been a privilege for us to participate in this important arc of your education and training. We have learned so much from each other. You are always welcome back and we hope you will stay in touch with us so we can continue to celebrate your success and pursuit of excellence. Excelsior!
Sincerely yours,
Christopher R. Meyer, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Science and Mathematics
Ceremony
National Anthem
Katherine Kelm, Department of Mathematics
Mario Bañuelos, Department of Mathematics
Mace Bearer
Dr. Michael Botwin, Department of Psychology
Welcome and Introductions
Dr. Christopher Meyer, Dean College of Science and Mathematics
ASI President’s Address
Karen Carrillo, ASI President
President’s Address
Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, President, California State University, Fresno
Recognition and Awards
Dr. Christopher Meyer, Dean
Dr. Jason Bush, Associate Dean
Presentation of the Graduating Class
Individual Graduate Recognition by Department
Conferring of Degrees
President, Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval and Dean, Dr. Christopher Meyer
Dean’s Charge
Dr. Christopher Meyer, Dean
Outstanding graduating students are selected each year for special recognition at commencement.
Dean's Medalists
The college Dean’s medalists have demonstrated academic excellence and have brought honor to the college through their outstanding achievements in their studies and other pursuits. The graduate medalist is eligible for consideration for the University Graduate Medal. The undergraduate medalist is eligible for the President’s Medal.
Graduate Dean’s Medalist
Kiana Crisosto
Psychology
Kiana's academic journey is a testament to her intellectual curiosity and determination. She excelled as a research assistant in multiple psychology labs, contributing significantly to projects leading to numerous national presentations and a co-authored paper in Teaching of Psychology. Kiana's thesis project delved into the impact of race on persuasion in social media discussions. This research holds significant potential to shed light on communication dynamics in our divided society. As an outstanding teaching assistant and statistics consultant she has provided invaluable support to her peers and fellow graduate students, fostering an environment of learning and collaboration. Kiana looks forward to beginning her career as a Research and Data Analyst in the California government or the public health sector to help “move the needle” for progress, prosperity, and well-being in the Valley and beyond.
Undergraduate Dean’s Medalist
Nathan Theng
Computer Science
In addition to his academic accomplishments as a summa cum laude graduate and President’s Scholar as part of the prestigious Smittcamp Family Honors College, he is an outstanding interdisciplinary researcher, a productive intern at Fresno State and in industry, a dedicated academic peer mentor and tutor, a leader and builder in the community, medical volunteer, and a wonderful role model for all students. Nathan’s exploration of different careers and paths enabled him to find his passion for computer science within healthcare, with the ambitious goal of developing computational diagnosis tools for underserved communities worldwide. His talent and dedication have positioned him well for competitive fellowships and he is currently interviewing for admission to highly regarded Ph.D. programs in Computer Science.
Outstanding Graduate Project Award
Ashneet Kaur
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Nominees must have developed an outstanding project that exhibits creativity, originality, makes a significant contribution to the field of study, and is of “publishable quality” within the discipline.
Outstanding Thesis Award
Isaiah Martinez
Mathematics
Nominees must have received departmental nomination by attaining the highest standards of scholarly accomplishment and by demonstrating an original contribution to their field. Other considerations, such as potential for being published in the discipline, as well as exhibit creativity and originality in their thesis are also considered.
College Commencement Standard Bearers
The college selects two graduating seniors to carry the college banner during the commencement ceremony. Selection of those students is based on academic achievement and excellence in their field of study.
Nipun Amarasinghe
Mathematics
Ajmeet Pama-Ghuman
Biology
Honors at Graduation
Student Achievement Awards are selected on the basis of meritorious service, leadership, and achievement related to the fields of endeavor represented by each of the college’s academic departments and graduate programs within the departments. Honors at the time of graduation from the university are awarded to undergraduate students based on the following criteria:
Undergraduate Honors
- Students must have an overall minimum grade point average of 3.5 on all work attempted.
- Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on all work taken at the university.
- Students must have completed 45 units in residence at California State University, Fresno.
The grade point average earned at California State University, Fresno determines which honors the student receives:
***Summa Cum Laude
3.90 - 4.00 GPA
"With highest praise"
**Magna Cum Laude
3.70 - 3.89 GPA
"With great praise"
*Cum Laude
3.50 - 3.69 GPA
"With praise"
Graduate Honors
♢ indicates “with distinction” and is awarded to graduate students with grade point
averages of 3.90 to 4.0, together with departmental approval for distinguished work.