On Saturday, May 24, we said good-bye to many students as they graduated from Dodge College. Proud family members and friends packed Wilson Field to help celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates and to wish them well as they embark on the rest of their lives.

By 6PM, the students began to file in, taking their seats, all anxiously awaiting the ceremony to begin. Dean Bob Basset opened with a few words before introducing Chapman University President James Doti to welcome the crowd.

Cathy Schulman, President of Mandalay Pictures and Academy Award winning producer, gave the commencement address and was given an honorary Doctor of Arts degree.

Throughout her speech, Schulman gave the new graduates some words of wisdom, some included:

  • No one can ever take the YOU away from you
  • When you grow, the next problem is easier to solve.
  • Climb the mountain so you can see the world. Not so the world can see you.
  • You are now on an artistic journey. It will be hard. But it will be worth it.
  • Go forth and spread beauty in life.

When Schulman concluded her speech, the graduates received their degrees (with many taking selfies with President Doti after they shook his hand).

After throwing their mortarboards in the air, graduates returned to Marion Knott Studios with their families to celebrate their success with an after party that took over Stage A, Stage B, and the parking lot.

Congratulations to all graduates and best of luck!