CSN’s 55th Commencement: Two Ceremonies, One Unforgettable Day
See the Commencement Photo Gallery
On May 18, the Thomas & Mack Center traded Rebel red for a sea of blue and gold.CSN celebrated its 55th Annual Commencement with two ceremonies, one at 11 a.m. and another at 5 p.m., honoring a graduating class projected to receive 4,493 degrees and certificates across 4,280 students. That breaks down to 224 bachelor’s degrees, 3,935 associate degrees, and 362 certificates. One of the biggest classes in CSN history.
But the day actually started before anyone set foot on the arena floor. CSN President Dr. Stacy Klippenstein kicked things off with his 4.0 scholars, taking one-on-one photos and placing gold cords around their necks himself. The kind of moment that sets the tone for everything that follows.
Out on the floor, you couldn’t miss the Grad Squad. More than 120 volunteers in neon shirts keeping the whole operation moving, led by Dr. Cathy Godfrey and Michelle Word, both in neon pink and clearly not afraid to own it. Two ceremonies, thousands of graduates, zero chaos. They pulled it off.
This year, faculty and students shared the same space before the procession, which made for a different kind of energy. More personal. More celebratory. The media team even got faculty on camera for a fun “who are you wearing” moment, a lighthearted showcase of the cultures and backgrounds that make up CSN’s faculty from around the world.
The 5 p.m. ceremony was something else. Family and friends packed the Thomas & Mack all the way to the top rows, blow horns going, signs in the air, cheering so loud you felt it. There was not a dry eye in the place.
Commencement Speaker Brenda Velasquez, a Spring 2026 graduate and mom of four, spoke at both ceremonies. Her speech was called “I Didn’t Almost Quit, I Almost Never Began,” and it was a hit. She came back to school after years of doubt, found her purpose when her son was diagnosed with autism, and now she’s heading to UNLV to become a special education teacher.
Cody the Coyote was doing his thing too, working the floor, high-fiving graduates, stopping for selfies, soaking it all in right alongside everyone else.
These are the moments people hold onto. The core memories.
View Commencement Photos > [Photos: Commencement 2026 Gallery]
Affinity Group Celebrations
The main Commencement Ceremonies weren’t the only time to celebrate. In the two weeks before commencement, CSN hosted four affinity celebrations: The Mosaic, the African American Community Heritage, the Latino Alliance, and the Women’s Alliance. Students gathered with family and friends to honor their identity and culture, and walked away with stoles and cords that meant something. For a lot of graduates, those nights were every bit as meaningful as the big day itself. See photos for each of the celebrations > [Photos: 2026 Affinity Celebrations]