CNAS Dean Peter Atkinson had some special wisdom he wanted to impart to students making up the college’s 71st graduating class during commencement ceremonies held on June 16 at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, CA. “Science matters,” he said, “and science is never finished. Every answer leads to a new question. Every theory invites deeper exploration. Your journey doesn't end here—it evolves from here. Today, we celebrate that evolution.”

And so, for more than 1,300 undergraduate students receiving their Bachelor’s degrees and over 60 graduate students accepting their Master’s degrees, the journey of discovery that began at CNAS continues into the future, always evolving toward new horizons.

Dean Atkinson remarked with pride that, in just the past year, CNAS faculty, staff, and students have made discoveries of national and international impact across multiple scientific disciplines, including uncovering chemicals produced by plants that enable healthier crops, developing new technology to better detect the gravitational waves predicted by Einstein, and bringing to light fresh insights on a biochemical pathway that may provide treatments for epilepsy and autism.

“There are numerous other examples, several in any given week throughout any given year,” Dean Atkinson said. “Today, you join the thousands of Highlanders who have gone on to shape industries, influence science, educate future generations, and transform lives. You’ve become a community of scholars who adapted, created, and persevered.

“And you did it at a university that reflects the future of higher education in our country,” he added. “UCR is consistently ranked No. 1 in the nation for social mobility; it’s a testament to how many of you are the first in your families to walk across this stage. We are proud to be among the leading research institutions in the country with a student body that reflects the richness of California and the energy of the Inland Empire.”

The academic procession at commencement was led by the UCR Pipe Band dressed in tartans. Presiding over the session were Grand Marshal Kenneth Barish, Chair of the UCR Academic Senate and Professor of Physics; Commencement Marshal Saba Najafi (Biology) walking with the College Banner; Graduate Student Marshal Melia Mariano (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Master’s degree) walking with the Master’s of Science Banner; and Undergraduate Student Marshal Lily Doan Vo (Neuroscience) walking with the Bachelor’s of Science Banner. The National Anthem was sung by Alyssa Marie Brand (Neuroscience).

Although the day belonged to all the graduates, it was also a momentous occasion for UCR’s ninth Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox who for more than a decade has championed student success at the college. The CNAS commencement on June 16 marked Chancellor Wilcox’s final ceremony as UCR’s leader which, under his tenure, has grown in size, reputation, and impact. In his remarks, Chancellor Wilcox, spoke about the connection that alums forever share with UCR and the responsibility that stems from that relationship. “Now we have a responsibility to each other,” he said. “We have a responsibility to make sure your university gets better every day, because, as it does, your degree becomes more valuable every day. And, in turn, you have a responsibility to make us proud -- to do the things that reflect well on UCR and raise our collective esteem and visibility.”

Chancellor Wilcox cautioned that he felt this year was different from years past; that for the first time in his life the creation of knowledge at universities across the country is at risk of being dismantled. He said that it was late in World War II when a group of leaders in government recognized the U.S. was victorious in part due to our accrued knowledge in science and technology.

“They set about to create a system in America like no other in the world where universities and the government worked together to create the knowledge that makes America great,” Chancellor Wilcox said. “That relationship has lasted 80 years. And it’s not just science and technology; it’s the whole notion that we as universities have a responsibility to help you become independent thinkers and judges of society. And that’s at risk.

“So I stand here today extremely proud of what you’ve accomplished and excited about your future,” he continued. “And I hope that your abilities, your wisdom and what you’ve learned at UCR will help you make sure our world stay as it has for the last 80 years, a place where wisdom, knowledge, independent thought continues to be valued.”

Standouts

During commencement ceremonies several students were cited for outstanding achievements. Hannah Jeanette Moore was recognized with CNAS’ Outstanding Achievement Award. She was selected by the CNAS Divisional Deans from among the Academic Excellence Award winners for exemplary performance in one or more of the following areas: academics and research, creative activity, service to the college, and demonstrated leadership.

Arnav Kacker (Biology) and Theodore Adams (Entomology) were honored with the Rosemary S.J. Schraer Award which recognizes two graduating seniors for academic excellence. The award was named after Ms. Schraer who served as UCR Chancellor from 1987-1992.

CNAS graduates were also recognized with the college Academic Excellence Awards which are bestowed for achievement in academics and research or creative activity. The award winners are: Hannah Jeanette Moore (Biochemistry), Theodore Adams (Entomology), Naran Luvsanravdan (Biology), Lina Mai (Chemistry), Eve Fraczkiewicz (Data Science), Liem Nguyen (Environmental Sciences), Jason Patrick Palos (Mathematics), Michelle Thanh Pham (Mathematics for Teachers of Secondary School), Anastasia Ghilenschi Colton (Microbiology), Tara Duo Gao (Neuroscience), Shane Levin (Physics), Abigail Noguera (Plant Biology), Srisai Saavarni Chilukuri (Statistics), and Samiha Alan (Cell, Molecular & Developmental Biology).

Alyssa Marie Brand (Neuroscience) showcased the exceptional talent of CNAS students by delivering the only live performance of the National Anthem across all six UCR commencement ceremonies, bringing a uniquely personal and powerful touch to the celebration.

In her student speaker commencement address, Dina Mirmotalebisohi (Biology) touched on the change that all students experience during their college careers. “I have heard my friends say they would barely recognize the person they were four years ago,” she said. “However, there is a part of me that strongly recognizes her, the girl who struggled to find the feeling of belonging until she came to UCR. Among being one of the most diverse campuses in the nation, I truly believe the level of inclusivity we host here is unmatched. I do belong. We all belong.”

After conferring the degrees, it was time for Ria Nair (Cell, Molecular & Developmental Biology) to lead the graduates in singing UCR’s Alma Mater, “Hail Fair UCR” followed by the traditional Baccalaureate Tassel-Turning (always right to left) headed by Abby Choy (Biology). 

As the recessional wended its way to the exit doors of the cavernous Toyota Arena, there was much to process for students and their families about the communal experience that is at the heart of UCR. But as graduates of the CNAS Class of ’25 prepare themselves for their own singular journeys in the months and years that lay ahead, Ms. Mirmotalebisohi encouraged her fellow Highlanders to take time to revel in the present moment they’ve worked so hard to achieve. “We count the days so often, we forget to count the seconds,” she said. Quoting the 12th century Persian poet and polymath, Omar Khayyam, she added: “Let us not grieve for what may come tomorrow; instead, let us treasure this fleeting breath we borrow.”

Visit the CNAS Commencement page