CSU-Pueblo Class of 2019 celebrates graduation on campus, first time in 20 years

More than one thousand students at CSU-Pueblo received their diplomas today.

Today’s ceremony was split into two parts, allowing for an old tradition to come back to campus.

For the first time in 20 years, students had their graduation commencement on campus today.

The graduating class has grown so big, ceremonies over the last two decades were held elsewhere.

Now, the graduating class of 2019 gets to hear the last bit of advice from their professors. and joined by Colorado’s Senate President Leroy Garcia, who told these students what to expect in the years ahead.

“I hope that if you meet failure, you will overcome it stronger and more successful than before. I hope that you will experience and live life to it’s fullest,” he said.

Meanwhile, hundreds of their mom and dads, brothers and sisters, aunt and uncles… let their graduates know they were watching.

Students know all too well, it’s in that moment, of walking across the stage and getting your diploma, reality sets in.

Students walk out the ceremony said, “just being able to walk across the stage was great.”

Another explained, “we made it here and we’re graduated!

As so many families took part in the classic pictures, one student said, “just super excited for what’s next cause we’re not done yet.”

As these students look ahead, their parents are hoping they don’t forget the advice they’ve given all these years.

One mother said, “just work hard and do the best you can.”

The commencement was split up into two ceremonies today. Governor Jared Polis gave the keynote at the second.