Remember that Cal Poly Humboldt's Spring Commencement will take place this coming Saturday. So, whether you're walking in the ceremony, or your just an Arcata resident, remember that the town will be extra busy with visitors this weekend. Plan accordingly.
The university also points out that this commencement is special, because it will include the first graduate of the school's newer Cannabis Studies major!
More from a Cal Poly Humboldt press release below:
The Spring 2025 Commencement will take place on Saturday, May 17, at the Redwood Bowl on campus, with three separate ceremonies by academic college. A regional ceremony will be held in Southern California on Tuesday, May 20, allowing even more families and friends to take part in honoring their graduates.
The ceremonies will joyfully welcome nearly 1,000 graduates, aged 17 to 67, as thousands of guests fill the Redwood Bowl to witness the momentous conferral of degrees and credentials. The University is proudly awarding more than 1,300 students with degrees and certificates this spring.
Notable Graduate
This year’s commencement ceremony will also celebrate a significant milestone: the first graduate from the groundbreaking Cannabis Studies major, Jazmin Ruiz. Introduced in 2023, the program is part of an exciting expansion of new majors reflecting Humboldt’s polytechnic designation.
Ruiz says the program offered her unique exposure to policy development, ethnobotany, public health, and entrepreneurship, equipping her and other students with the tools to be leaders and drive change in a rapidly evolving landscape.
“I’m proud to be graduating from Cal Poly Humboldt’s Cannabis Studies program, which offers a comprehensive, stigma-free approach to understanding cannabis through historical, geographical, cultural, economic, and political lenses,” Ruiz says. “Being a part of this program has meant stepping into a space where science meets social justice, curiosity drives change, and where education can shape outdated narratives. It’s more than a degree— it’s a movement.”
Commencement Schedule
The on-campus celebration begins at 9 a.m. with the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, followed by the College of Natural Resources & Sciences at noon, and the College of Professional Studies at 3 p.m.
During the College of Natural Resources & Sciences (CNRS) ceremony, William "Bill" Tripp, director of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy for the Karuk Tribe, will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Sciences for championing Indigenous-led environmental stewardship. Additionally, during the CNRS ceremony, Golden Grads—alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago—will be celebrated, linking the legacy of past graduates with the vibrant journey of lifelong learning.
The College of Professional Studies ceremony will honor Distinguished Alum Dan Phillips (‘91, Business, Computer Information Systems), a Humboldt County native and tech industry leader whose dedication as a philanthropist and mentor profoundly impacts Cal Poly Humboldt and North Coast students.
A highlight across all ceremonies is Distinguished Alum Cassandra Hesseltine (’96, Psychology), the Humboldt County Film Commissioner, who will serve as the alumni representative for each on-campus commencement ceremony. Her journey of career creativity and commitment to place embodies the remarkable spirit of Humboldt’s alumni community.
SoCal Ceremony
On Tuesday, May 20, at 2 p.m., Regional Commencement will be held at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. The event is designed to make it easier for graduates’ families and friends in Southern California to participate. All majors are welcome, and students were able to register for either or both events.
The Regional Commencement ceremony will feature alum Vico Hernandez (‘07 Art) as the alumni representative, offering a unique perspective as a creative professional dedicated to merging art, design, and practicality to enhance lives, from graphic and web design to community arts organizing. His presence highlights the rich diversity of Cal Poly Humboldt’s alumni network.
Cultural Celebrations
In the days leading up to Commencement, the University will host several Cultural Graduation Celebrations, allowing all students to honor their identities, families, and communities in meaningful, intimate settings. These cultural graduation events warmly welcome all students.
Thursday, May 15
-Q Grad Celebration, 2:30–4:30 p.m., Blue Lake Casino
-All Native Grad Celebration, 5:30–8:30 p.m., Blue Lake Casino
Friday, May 16
-Umoja Center Black Graduation, 1–3 p.m., Blue Lake Casino
-ADPI-MENA Grad Celebration, 4–6 p.m., Blue Lake Casino
-El Centro Latinx Graduation, 5–7 p.m., John Van Duzer Theatre
These events are an important part of Commencement week, giving students the space to celebrate their journey in culturally affirming ways, alongside friends, faculty, and family.
Commencement at Cal Poly Humboldt is more than a ceremony—it’s a tribute to the hard work, growth, and dreams of students who are ready to make a difference in the world. The University invites the community to join in the celebration and recognize the achievements of the Class of 2025.
More Commencement Information
New graduates are encouraged to register for FREE with Forever Humboldt, the official association for the Cal Poly Humboldt community. Registered members receive ongoing Library access, special discounts at local businesses, access to career resources, special invites to Forever Humboldt events, and more. Get more information on the Forever Humboldt website.
Students are also encouraged to take the Graduation Pledge of Social and Environmental Responsibility, a Commencement tradition that began at Humboldt in 1987 and has been used by more than 100 universities worldwide.
For more information about Commencement, visit commencement.humboldt.edu.