California State University, San Marcos is about to graduate the school’s largest class in its 29-year history: nearly 3,800 students.
University officials say 55% of the graduating students in the class of 2019 are the first members of their family to graduate with a four-year college degree. Forty-two percent of the graduates identify as underrepresented minorities.
CSU San Marcos spokeswoman Christine Vaughan said the school has worked hard to narrow achievement gaps among student groups, and that is reflected in its diverse student body.
“We know the transformative power of a college education and we have stayed true in our mission to be that catalyst in our region,” Vaughan said.
She said the school has tried to raise the educational attainment rate in the region.
“Academic support services, resources, increased scholarship support, degree planning tools and mentoring programs help students persist and ultimately graduate," Vaughan said.
The graduating class this year is large enough that, for the first time, the commencement will stretch over three days with six ceremonies. Total student enrollment in the university is 17,000.
Commencement ceremonies take place Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 19.
