01:17 Processional
19:19 Opening Performance
23:49 Creative Offering
27:15 Invocation and Welcome
30:37 Opening Remarks
35:14 Introduction to the Honorary Doctorates
42:30 Commencement Address
1:05:40 Honoring the Faculty Emeriti
1:11:28 Reflections by Graduating Student
1:18:32 Performance
1:27:49 Presentation of Degrees
2:30:27 Closing Benediction


California Institute of Integral Studies was overjoyed to hold its 55th Commencement on Sunday, May 14, 2023, the first in-person graduation since 2019. Festivities began at the Sydney Goldstein Theater in San Francisco, where CIIS President S. Brock Blomberg conferred 635 degrees upon the graduating students: 487 master’s degrees, 88 Ph.D.s, and 60 undergraduate degrees, all of which are a testament to the incredible dedication, learning, and insight of our students.

Bayo Akomolafe, Ph.D., author, fugitive post-activist public intellectual,Yoruba poet, and founder of the Emergence Network, gave a commencement address overflowing with humor and heart to mark the occasion. “Our work must be to make sanctuary together – not for us to be safe, but for the crack to thrive, to grow, to become resilient,” he implored the crowd. Joining him in speaking was Kel Smith, M.A. ’23 of the Somatic Psychology department, who delivered the student reflection and invited the crowd to take a deep breath before embarking on the next stage of their journeys. In addition to speakers, CIIS also incorporated the music of Wildchoir, which were interspersed with creative offerings from student Mia Cruz and Faculty Chair Dr. Annette Williams.

Following the ceremony, the “funky brass” marching band Mission Delirium led a procession of more than 200 graduates, along with their families and friends, back to campus for a joyous celebration and reception.

Program Brochure: https://www.ciis.edu/pdf-flip/index.html
Bayo Akomolafe Keynote Speech:    • Bayo Akomolafe Delivers Commencement ...  
CIIS' 55th Commencement Highlights:    • CIIS' 55th Commencement Highlights (2...  

ABOUT CIIS
CIIS is the university for radically curious and committed individuals who are seeking meaningful growth, academic rigor, innovative research, and collaborative community in the service of self, society, and the earth. Our approach to education is holistic and student-centered. CIIS offers degrees in spirituality and religion, psychology and counseling, anthropology, organizational and leadership studies, health, and the arts.

California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS)
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