Congratulations to the Benerd College Class of 2024! This page is to announce all of the upcoming Benerd College news and events happening in honor of Commencement 2024.

benerd commencement
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Schedule for Graduation

9:00 a.m.: All-university Commencement and Degree Conferral Ceremony

1:30 p.m.: Reception at Benerd College (3441 Kensington Way, Stockton)

  • Light hors d'oeuvres, beverages, and photo ops

3:15 p.m.: Line up begins – A.G. Spanos Center

4:00 p.m.:  Diploma and Hooding Ceremony – A.G. Spanos Center

Graduates and Awards
commencement awards
Rosabella Maris Lopez -All-University Commencement and Degree Conferral Ceremony  

Mary Conley - Benerd College Ceremony
The Banner Bearer Award goes to a Benerd student who best represents the ideals, values, and mission of Benerd College.
Saul R HerreraThe Outstanding Single Subject Teacher is chosen from amongst undergrad students completing the single subject credential. The recipient must possess outstanding character, demonstrate excellent teaching skills, and show initiative in the teaching field.  In addition, they must display a positive disposition, collegiality, and advocacy in their work in the classroom.
Jasmine Lizbet RubalcavaThe Outstanding Multiple Subject Teacher is chosen from amongst students completing the undergraduate diversified degree and multiple subject credential, and is a student who shows outstanding character, skills, and initiative in the teaching field.
Victor NaterasThe Outstanding Leadership in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Undergraduate Award is given to a undergraduate student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in promoting DEI in the College, their workplace, and/or within their program. The student is selected by the Dean based on recommendations from faculty.
Mara D. ClarkThe Outstanding Graduate in Organizational Leadership is awarded based on academic excellence and embodiment of the goals and ideals of the program--adult students returning to college to finish what they started, overcoming obstacles, and working together with their cohort to achieve their goals.
Yecenia GonzalezThe Outstanding Graduate in Healthcare Administration & Leadership is awarded based on academic excellence and embodiment of the goals and ideals of enriching the educational environment with their work and life experiences, as well as working collaboratively and supportively in a diverse community of learners.
Ahmed Ayman NaguibOutstanding Leadership in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Graduate award is given to a graduate student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in promoting DEI in the College, their workplace, and/or within their program. The student is selected by the Dean based on recommendations from faculty.
Raven TaharaMaster’s in Leadership Organizational Innovator Award is designed to develop leaders who can unleash human and organizational potential, linking strategy and innovation.  The Outstanding Organizational Innovator recognizes academic excellence and living the values of the program.
Dafni GuzmanThe Outstanding Graduate Single Subject Teacher is chosen from amongst students completing a master’s degree and credential, and is a student who shows outstanding character, skills, and initiative in the teaching field.
Monica CostaThe Outstanding Graduate Multiple Subject Teacher is chosen from amongst students completing a master’s degree and multiple subject credential, and is a student who shows outstanding character, skills, and initiative in the teaching field.
Leslie FreemanThe Outstanding Graduate Special Education Teacher is chosen from amongst students completing a master’s degree and credential in special education, and must meet the following criteria:  outstanding character, skills, and initiative in the teaching field.  In addition, they must display a positive disposition, collegiality and advocacy in their work in the classroom.
Carla Jean VellutiniThe Outstanding Service & Leadership in Counseling and School Psychology is given to a graduate student in the Counseling and School Psychology programs for demonstrating exceptional professional skills, the ability to mentor students, and providing leadership within the program.
Carmen Steele-AbundezThe Outstanding School Psychologist is chosen from amongst students completing the graduate Educational Specialist Degree in the School Psychology Program and must demonstrate excellence in professional writing, interpersonal communication, professional behavior, and reflective thinking.
Dana M. HowardThe Doctoral Innovation in Research and Practice Award focuses on innovation and creativity with an emphasis on developing practitioners who make a real-world impact through their dissertation.  Each year, we identify a student who has done the most integrate research and practice in an innovative way, both in their coursework and through their dissertation.
Jeremy GreeneThe Transformative Action in Research and Practice Award is focused on embodying and implementing transformative leadership practices to make a real-world impact through their dissertation. Each year, we identify a student who has done the most integrate research and practice in a transformative way, both in their coursework and through their dissertation.
Clarence HendersonThe Master’s in Leading for Social Impact Award emphasizes embodiment and implementation of social impact leadership practices throughout the master’s journey. Each year, we identify a student who has integrated research and practice in a transformative way, both in their coursework and real world application for positive social change.