More than 4,000 Spartans Graduate This Fall

Thousands of Spartan graduates complete their degrees this week at SJSU. Photo by Adriana Avila.

This December, about 4,200 Spartans will participate in the fall 2024 commencement ceremonies at the Provident Credit Union Event Center at San José State. Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees will be awarded across eight ceremonies held on Thursday, Dec. 19, and Friday, December 20, presided over by SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson.

A few fall 2024 graduates shared their Spartan experiences with us.

Elias Truitt, ’24 Radio-Television-Film

Elias Truitt, ’24 Radio-Television-Film.

I’m a third-generation SJSU student. My grandfather graduated with a degree in music and my mother was also a radio, television, and film graduate, so this school was always at the top of the list for me. I also had multiple cousins and friends who had very positive experiences at SJSU. After getting my transfer degree from West Valley, I knew SJSU’s film department would be a perfect place to continue my education.

SJSU really solidified my love for writing and screenwriting. The professors were so inspiring and helpful. It really motivated me to keep working on my writing until it became my main focus. I was fortunate to learn about many different aspects of the film and entertainment industries, but I found that many of my interests lay in writing and pre-production. I really appreciated that SJSU allowed me to focus on my strengths and passions by applying my skills and collaborating with other talented students.

Right now, I’m training to be an audio-describer for the blind and low vision, combining my love for theater and my passion for accessibility in the arts. I’m also continuing to work on my screenplays and connecting with producers and other writers. 

The professors at SJSU have been incredible. I was very lucky to have professors like Barnaby Dallas, Scott Sublett, Larry Schapiro, and Jody Ulate, who really supported me as a student and a writer. Barnaby Dallas and Larry Shapiro are incredibly knowledgeable about the film industry, so their insight was absolutely invaluable to me when writing my first two screenplays. During my internship with the College of Humanities & The Arts marketing department, Jody Ulate taught me a number of writing skills and techniques that I’m sure will be integral in my writing career.

It feels really good [to have completed my degree]. It’s honestly gone by faster than I thought. I’m definitely going to miss SJSU and all the great people I’ve met, but I’m super grateful for the experiences I had here and for everything I’ve learned. 

I just want to say thank you to SJSU and everyone here that made my experience so memorable. This school has such a beautiful diverse community of students and faculty. I definitely feel I made the right choice coming here.

Karla Cruz, ’24 MA Counselor Education

Karla Cruz, ’24 MA Counselor Education

The biggest accomplishment was to make it to graduation after losing my employment [of] six years and my grandmother, who passed away [during] my first semester of grad school. As a dreamer, I learned that time waits for no one. That we can achieve anything we set our minds to. The power lies within us; we just have to tap into it.

[Attending SJSU] helped me believe in my potential and abilities, gave me a new perspective on life and provided more meaning. I plan to work as a school counselor while helping [educate] transformational agents of social change.

Vani Bendekere Prasannakumar, ’24 Civil Engineering

SJSU has truly transformed me. Coming in as an international student with doubts about my future in civil engineering, I found a community that supported and encouraged me every step of the way. I’ve had the opportunity to take on leadership roles, such as being an officer in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) club, attending volunteering events, participating in networking sessions, and engaging in competitions and conferences — all of which have shaped me both personally and professionally.

Vani Bendekere Prasannakumar, ’24 Civil Engineering

I was fortunate to meet several professors who profoundly influenced my life and academic journey. Civil and Environmental Engineering Lecturer Henry Tooryani taught me essential principles and techniques in construction management, shaping my approach to handling real-world projects with precision and confidence. Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Jae Pyeon expanded my understanding of how technology plays a critical role in modern construction. His guidance helped me realize the importance of leveraging IT for efficient project management and decision-making in the construction industry. Civil and Environmental Engineering Lecturer Sam Koosha inspired me with his passion for teaching and his ability to make complex topics more accessible. His dedication to helping students thrive and his insights into the field of transportation engineering have had a lasting impact on me. 

Through ASCE, I also had the chance to connect with industry professionals, build my network, and learn firsthand from experts in the field. Volunteering at these events gave me a sense of fulfillment, and participating in networking sessions helped me develop key skills that will be invaluable throughout my career. These experiences not only enhanced my personal and professional growth but also reinforced my belief in the power of community and collaboration. Being part of ASCE truly enriched my time at SJSU.

These experiences expanded my professional network and boosted my confidence and determination. I went from questioning whether I would ever land a job to becoming fully confident in my ability to succeed. SJSU provided the resources, support, and opportunities that transformed my life — personally and professionally — into one where self-belief and the pursuit of my dreams are no longer in question.

Sourab Saklecha, ’24 MS Data Analytics

Sourab Saklecha, ’24 MS Data Analytics

Attending SJSU in the heart of Silicon Valley transformed my life by surrounding me with a community of inspiring peers, mentors and industry leaders. The relationships I built here — through collaborative projects, networking events, and everyday interactions — became not just connections, but catalysts for my personal and professional growth.

Next, I’m ready to turn data into action — using the skills and connections I’ve built at SJSU to drive innovation, solve real-world problems and make an impact in the heart of Silicon Valley and beyond.

Get the details about fall commencement ceremonies.