June 2, 2010 - California State University, Bakersfield will celebrate its 40th commencement Friday and Saturday, June 11 and 12, with more than 1,500 members of the class of 2010 being recognized at two ceremonies. In addition, a graduate and hooding ceremony for graduate students in all schools will be held Tuesday, June 8, at 6 p.m. in the Icardo Center.

For undergraduates, two ceremonies will be held: one for the Schools of Education, Business and Public Administration, and Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and another for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

The prospective graduates will don their caps and gowns to participate in the ceremonies that culminate their education. Of the 1,543 students eligible to participate in the spring undergraduate ceremonies, 221 are from the School of Business and Public Administration, 110 are from the School of Education, 702 are from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and 154 are from the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. A total of 356 graduate students are eligible to participate in the graduate and hooding ceremony.

The commencement ceremonies are as follows:

Tuesday, June 8:

Graduate students (all schools) will have a graduate and hooding ceremony at 6 p.m. in the Icardo Center. The hooding ceremony is for master's degree candidates during which a faculty member places the hood over the head of the graduate, signifying his or her success in completing the graduate program. In affiliation with UOP, six doctoral candidates from the School of Education will also be honored.

Commencement speaker: CSUB President Horace Mitchell

Dr. Mitchell became the fourth president of CSUB in July 2004 after 36 years of experience in higher education. Under Mitchell's leadership, the university has continued a period of rapid development, with a vision to extend the excellence and diversity of the faculty and academic programs, enhance the quality of the student experience and strengthen community engagement.

Friday, June 11:

The Schools of Education, Business and Public Administration, and Natural Sciences and Mathematics will hold their ceremony at 7 a.m. in the CSUB Amphitheatre.

Commencement speaker: Gaurdie Banister, President & CEO Aera Energy LLC

Mr. Banister began his career with Shell in 1980 in New Orleans as an offshore facilities engineer and served exploration and production (E&P) assignments in California, Texas and Louisiana, including a stint in Bakersfield from 1985-92. Prior to joining Aera, he was Vice President - Technical, Shell EP Asia Pacific, which is part of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group's global E&P business. Based in Singapore, he was responsible for drilling and development activities in Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand. He also has experience in global E&P and information technology operations, mergers and acquisitions, strategy, and technology.

Saturday, June 12:

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences will hold its ceremony at 7 a.m. in the CSUB Amphitheatre.

Commencement speaker: Dr. Gerald W. Haslam

An author and recipient of the Western Literature Association's Distinguished Achievement Award, Haslam is Professor Emeritus of English at Sonoma State University. He was raised in Oildale, the setting of most of his books.

Sunday, June 6

The university will also hold a reception for Antelope Valley graduates on Sunday, June 6, at 3 p.m. at the Hellenic Center in Lancaster.