WEBVTT NOTE Created by CaptionSync from Automatic Sync Technologies www.automaticsync.com 00:00:00.376 --> 00:00:05.456 align:middle >> I was privileged to serve as professor and Director of the School 00:00:05.456 --> 00:00:07.506 align:middle of Information for the last 10 years. 00:00:07.506 --> 00:00:10.916 align:middle And I'm very pleased to preside over today's celebration. 00:00:11.266 --> 00:00:15.226 align:middle Today represents the culmination of all your hard work. 00:00:15.226 --> 00:00:18.586 align:middle And I am extremely proud of each and every one of you. 00:00:18.936 --> 00:00:23.456 align:middle This is a remarkable day, perhaps even more special given all the challenges 00:00:23.456 --> 00:00:25.576 align:middle that we faced during the last few months. 00:00:25.846 --> 00:00:29.516 align:middle Please take good care of yourselves and your loved ones. 00:00:29.826 --> 00:00:33.556 align:middle Today we are gathered for a convocation, which is a calling together. 00:00:33.806 --> 00:00:41.116 align:middle I am joined by Dean Ruth Huard, graduating student speaker, Sharea Almeda, 00:00:41.116 --> 00:00:46.256 align:middle and our invited convocation speaker, Julia Stepheson Jr. I am delighted 00:00:46.256 --> 00:00:48.066 align:middle to have them be part of this ceremony. 00:00:48.066 --> 00:00:54.666 align:middle We will end today's convocation with a special video dedicated to our graduates 00:00:54.756 --> 00:00:56.746 align:middle that was prepared by our student leaders. 00:00:57.296 --> 00:01:02.226 align:middle And we are here today to celebrate your achievements, which you accomplished 00:01:02.226 --> 00:01:06.296 align:middle with the love and support of dear family, friends, and colleagues. 00:01:06.526 --> 00:01:13.006 align:middle Many of you thanked your parents, siblings, spouses, partners, children, and even your pets 00:01:13.006 --> 00:01:16.846 align:middle on your graduate profile page of the virtual convocation website. 00:01:17.046 --> 00:01:19.446 align:middle It was heartwarming to read your posts. 00:01:19.446 --> 00:01:23.576 align:middle I hope those special to you have joined the session to celebrate with you today. 00:01:24.056 --> 00:01:28.526 align:middle Family and friends who are online, please post a congratulatory message 00:01:28.526 --> 00:01:30.866 align:middle on your graduate's page after the ceremony. 00:01:31.626 --> 00:01:34.986 align:middle You can also hear each graduate's name read out with their degree 00:01:34.986 --> 00:01:36.916 align:middle on the virtual convocation website. 00:01:37.266 --> 00:01:39.986 align:middle You will find the recordings of today's speeches 00:01:39.986 --> 00:01:43.246 align:middle on the virtual convocation website within the next couple of days. 00:01:44.036 --> 00:01:49.636 align:middle This is our school's 51st convocation since we first achieved accreditation 00:01:49.636 --> 00:01:51.836 align:middle from the American Library Association. 00:01:52.576 --> 00:01:57.276 align:middle Our mission is to educate information professionals who contribute to the wellbeing 00:01:57.276 --> 00:02:02.166 align:middle of our global communities and to expand the library and information science knowledge base 00:02:02.166 --> 00:02:04.026 align:middle through research and scholarship. 00:02:04.506 --> 00:02:07.066 align:middle There is so much to celebrate as a school. 00:02:07.516 --> 00:02:10.546 align:middle One of our many highlights of this academic year is 00:02:10.546 --> 00:02:15.626 align:middle that our school expanded our program offerings with the addition of a third masters degree, 00:02:16.256 --> 00:02:19.936 align:middle an MS in informatics, which launched in fall of 2019. 00:02:20.426 --> 00:02:25.396 align:middle Our school also moved into a new college, the College of Professional and Global Education, 00:02:25.476 --> 00:02:28.296 align:middle which aligns well with our school's vision and mission. 00:02:28.696 --> 00:02:34.366 align:middle Our school's offerings cover the gamut of career opportunities in the information professions. 00:02:34.656 --> 00:02:40.956 align:middle We offer three masters degrees, a nationally ranked and accredited master of library 00:02:40.956 --> 00:02:43.996 align:middle and information science degree, the master of archives 00:02:43.996 --> 00:02:48.616 align:middle and records administration, and the new MS in informatics. 00:02:48.926 --> 00:02:52.146 align:middle We also offer an accredited teacher librarian credential. 00:02:52.146 --> 00:02:55.306 align:middle And we offer two certificate programs. 00:02:55.306 --> 00:02:59.796 align:middle An advanced certificate in strategic management of digital assets and services, 00:02:59.796 --> 00:03:04.646 align:middle and a post-masters certificate in library and information science. 00:03:04.646 --> 00:03:07.026 align:middle We also offer a gateway PhD program. 00:03:07.326 --> 00:03:12.656 align:middle This is the fourth year that we have graduates who have earned the MLIS or MARA degree 00:03:12.956 --> 00:03:16.936 align:middle and the advanced certificate in digital assets and services at the same time. 00:03:17.086 --> 00:03:20.836 align:middle Today, we honor our graduates from all of these programs. 00:03:21.466 --> 00:03:27.496 align:middle We are celebrating the achievements of 604 students who are graduating today. 00:03:27.496 --> 00:03:32.886 align:middle Since all of our programs are delivered online, we have graduating students from 42 states 00:03:32.886 --> 00:03:34.696 align:middle and also from Canada and Ecuador. 00:03:34.696 --> 00:03:39.946 align:middle Our graduates today represent a good cross section of the overall student body, 00:03:39.946 --> 00:03:43.846 align:middle and we're grateful that they have entrusted their education to us. 00:03:43.846 --> 00:03:47.926 align:middle Our graduates frequently commented on their graduation profiles 00:03:47.926 --> 00:03:53.106 align:middle that they enjoyed having the opportunity to meet people from all over the world in their classes. 00:03:54.526 --> 00:03:58.876 align:middle One student explained, "it was really interesting to work with individuals 00:03:58.876 --> 00:04:03.156 align:middle who are not only from all different parts of the country, but also the world. 00:04:03.576 --> 00:04:08.056 align:middle During my time in the program, I had interactions with students who were frequently 00:04:08.056 --> 00:04:10.516 align:middle on the opposite side of the United States. 00:04:10.516 --> 00:04:14.196 align:middle But there were also times when the students I was interacting with were 00:04:14.196 --> 00:04:16.986 align:middle in other countries like Canada or Saudi Arabia." 00:04:17.466 --> 00:04:20.686 align:middle The diversity of perspectives present 00:04:20.686 --> 00:04:24.326 align:middle in our online programs is also a unique benefit for our students. 00:04:24.536 --> 00:04:26.606 align:middle Students valued these differences. 00:04:26.606 --> 00:04:31.846 align:middle For example, as one student commented, "their range in professional experiences, 00:04:31.846 --> 00:04:37.056 align:middle personal experiences, and ages contributed to creating a unique learning environment." 00:04:37.766 --> 00:04:43.046 align:middle Another student said they valued, "hearing about the different experiences of my classmates, 00:04:43.156 --> 00:04:45.216 align:middle who have worked in various institutions 00:04:45.216 --> 00:04:48.316 align:middle and have had life experiences that are different than my own." 00:04:48.806 --> 00:04:52.826 align:middle It is gratifying to see how well prepared our graduates are 00:04:52.826 --> 00:04:55.346 align:middle to serve our global and diverse communities. 00:04:56.046 --> 00:05:00.776 align:middle Graduating students also expressed that if it weren't for the flexibility 00:05:00.776 --> 00:05:06.486 align:middle of the online format, they would not have been able to attain their educational goals. 00:05:06.666 --> 00:05:09.886 align:middle For example, one student said, "being able 00:05:09.886 --> 00:05:15.186 align:middle to get my MLIS online is the reason I was able to complete this program. 00:05:15.316 --> 00:05:21.086 align:middle As a busy mom who also works at two different libraries, being able to complete coursework 00:05:21.086 --> 00:05:27.036 align:middle from a laptop on my couch at any hour of the day or night made this program possible. 00:05:27.316 --> 00:05:33.336 align:middle I am so grateful for the flexibility of the online learning at SJSU's iSchool." 00:05:33.946 --> 00:05:37.976 align:middle Graduates also shared some of the things that they liked best about online learning, 00:05:37.976 --> 00:05:41.496 align:middle which included, "I didn't have to worry about delegating time 00:05:41.496 --> 00:05:44.406 align:middle for travel, parking, or attending the class. 00:05:44.406 --> 00:05:49.656 align:middle I could just go on my computer in the comfort of my own home or a public library. 00:05:49.986 --> 00:05:52.866 align:middle I also enjoyed working at my own pace." 00:05:53.246 --> 00:05:58.446 align:middle Another student commented on, "the flexibility of taking school with me wherever I was, 00:05:58.536 --> 00:06:03.856 align:middle whether it was at home, a public library, or on vacation in Vegas and Cabo." 00:06:04.296 --> 00:06:10.726 align:middle One student commented, "I had more meaningful and constructive interactions online 00:06:10.726 --> 00:06:14.286 align:middle than I did during my undergraduate at a brick and mortar university." 00:06:15.086 --> 00:06:19.696 align:middle Another student commented, "Learning online was important for me, especially on my path 00:06:19.696 --> 00:06:22.036 align:middle on becoming an information professional. 00:06:22.096 --> 00:06:27.866 align:middle It has improved my ability to manage time, develop online communication skills, 00:06:27.866 --> 00:06:30.616 align:middle and utilize tools that will be useful in a career 00:06:30.616 --> 00:06:33.346 align:middle that is heavily influenced by emerging technology." 00:06:33.346 --> 00:06:38.766 align:middle Another student said it was, "an amazing privilege to get to know so many quality friends 00:06:38.766 --> 00:06:41.456 align:middle through Zoom meetings and Google Docs." 00:06:41.456 --> 00:06:46.246 align:middle And on the lighter side, one student said that they enjoyed the online program because, 00:06:46.246 --> 00:06:48.476 align:middle "I can have my dog as a study partner." 00:06:48.866 --> 00:06:53.636 align:middle And finally, another student appreciated having the ability with online learning 00:06:53.636 --> 00:06:56.806 align:middle of doing homework and listening to lectures while, "in my pajamas 00:06:56.806 --> 00:07:00.096 align:middle and stuffing my face with pizza and cold Thai food." 00:07:00.096 --> 00:07:06.166 align:middle Some graduating students shared their career plans for after graduation. 00:07:06.516 --> 00:07:13.256 align:middle These included things like "it has long been my dream to become an academic librarian, 00:07:13.256 --> 00:07:18.626 align:middle and help students develop skills such as information literacy and search techniques 00:07:18.626 --> 00:07:20.066 align:middle that will help them throughout their lives." 00:07:20.266 --> 00:07:24.786 align:middle Another student commented, "getting through this program has put a lot of wind in my sails 00:07:24.786 --> 00:07:31.556 align:middle because I am absolutely sure that I did what was right for myself, my career, and my community." 00:07:31.556 --> 00:07:33.986 align:middle Finally, another student said that they "look forward 00:07:33.986 --> 00:07:37.176 align:middle to using my skills learned to make an impact on the field." 00:07:37.926 --> 00:07:43.156 align:middle Students also shared what they are looking forward to doing next with their spare time now 00:07:43.156 --> 00:07:44.746 align:middle that they've completed the program. 00:07:45.056 --> 00:07:49.106 align:middle Common responses included relaxing, reading for pleasure, 00:07:49.446 --> 00:07:53.646 align:middle "free time with my family," and binge watching shows. 00:07:53.646 --> 00:07:59.416 align:middle I hope you will visit our virtual convocation website and browse their graduate profiles. 00:07:59.786 --> 00:08:04.706 align:middle We offer our students a broad range of courses enabling them to design their curriculum 00:08:04.706 --> 00:08:07.736 align:middle to best meet their needs and interests. 00:08:07.736 --> 00:08:11.826 align:middle As an example, our courses range from the study of early manuscripts and books 00:08:12.186 --> 00:08:15.436 align:middle to the management and curation of digital assets. 00:08:16.256 --> 00:08:20.166 align:middle We offer many outstanding opportunities for students to get involved in the school, 00:08:20.166 --> 00:08:25.126 align:middle such as serving on the editorial board of our school's student research journal, 00:08:25.126 --> 00:08:27.716 align:middle helping other students as peer mentors, 00:08:27.716 --> 00:08:33.886 align:middle and participating in award winning student chapters of professional associations. 00:08:34.366 --> 00:08:38.126 align:middle One of our new student groups is the first generation student group, 00:08:38.186 --> 00:08:42.516 align:middle which aims to help first gen students navigate the world of graduate school 00:08:42.516 --> 00:08:44.716 align:middle and their entrance into the professional world. 00:08:44.716 --> 00:08:50.196 align:middle A couple of quotes from first gen students illustrates how meaningful this graduation is 00:08:50.196 --> 00:08:51.686 align:middle for them and their families. 00:08:51.946 --> 00:08:57.066 align:middle As one student said, "I also wanted to achieve this for my family. 00:08:57.106 --> 00:09:01.516 align:middle I will be the first person of my immediate family to receive her masters degree." 00:09:01.856 --> 00:09:06.186 align:middle Another student said "As a first generation graduate student, 00:09:06.186 --> 00:09:08.976 align:middle I wanted to set an example to follow for my children." 00:09:09.636 --> 00:09:16.396 align:middle We also provide students and alumni with the opportunity to share their research projects, 00:09:16.396 --> 00:09:20.996 align:middle programs, and case studies demonstrating their community impact by presenting 00:09:20.996 --> 00:09:25.676 align:middle at our school's poster sessions, held at the iSchool receptions 00:09:25.676 --> 00:09:28.466 align:middle at professional association conferences. 00:09:29.106 --> 00:09:32.926 align:middle 12 students graduating this year have taken advantage of this opportunity 00:09:32.926 --> 00:09:35.806 align:middle to hone their presentation skills and build their networks, 00:09:35.806 --> 00:09:38.936 align:middle including our graduation speaker, Sharea Almeda. 00:09:40.286 --> 00:09:43.846 align:middle Their work is inspiring and we look forward to hosting these poster sessions 00:09:43.846 --> 00:09:46.706 align:middle at future conference of the American Library Association 00:09:46.706 --> 00:09:49.196 align:middle and the California Library Association. 00:09:49.996 --> 00:09:53.936 align:middle Our school offers many ways to engage with current information professionals, 00:09:53.936 --> 00:09:58.856 align:middle and to keep current, such as our highly successful Library 2.0 virtual conference 00:09:58.856 --> 00:10:02.956 align:middle series, which we have now been doing for 10 years. 00:10:03.046 --> 00:10:05.386 align:middle As new alumni, it is my hope that you will participate 00:10:05.386 --> 00:10:10.946 align:middle in the upcoming Library 2.0 mini conference on June 17th focused on small, rural, 00:10:10.946 --> 00:10:16.636 align:middle and independent libraries, and on October 14th focused on sustainability in libraries. 00:10:16.826 --> 00:10:20.526 align:middle Participating in the Library 2.0 conferences is a great way 00:10:20.526 --> 00:10:23.626 align:middle to build your professional connections, share your knowledge with others, 00:10:23.626 --> 00:10:25.646 align:middle and continue your lifelong learning. 00:10:26.096 --> 00:10:31.306 align:middle Our open classes program enables professionals to take just a single class 00:10:31.306 --> 00:10:35.156 align:middle or two in our program without being matriculated students. 00:10:35.156 --> 00:10:39.806 align:middle Open classes are an excellent way to continue your professional development and connection 00:10:39.806 --> 00:10:41.916 align:middle with the school after you graduate. 00:10:41.916 --> 00:10:44.706 align:middle In fact, I've already heard that some of you are thinking about doing this. 00:10:44.706 --> 00:10:50.456 align:middle One graduating student said, "I also plan to continue taking electives beyond graduation. 00:10:50.666 --> 00:10:56.116 align:middle There are so many interesting courses for which I didn't have time." 00:10:56.276 --> 00:11:01.246 align:middle We also offer free online webinars featuring experts in the field on a variety 00:11:01.246 --> 00:11:04.846 align:middle of relevant topics, including career guidance and diversity. 00:11:05.786 --> 00:11:11.036 align:middle We are very fortunate to have exceptional, award winning faculty, students, 00:11:11.036 --> 00:11:15.096 align:middle and alumni who are influencing the future of the information profession. 00:11:15.096 --> 00:11:20.206 align:middle Several graduating students mentioned their appreciation for their excellent instructors. 00:11:20.826 --> 00:11:23.736 align:middle "Each professor gave wonderful feedback 00:11:23.736 --> 00:11:27.076 align:middle and helped me whenever I had questions about an assignment. 00:11:27.076 --> 00:11:31.066 align:middle Each professor put in time and effort into making their class unique and fun 00:11:31.066 --> 00:11:33.906 align:middle and I thoroughly appreciated that." 00:11:33.906 --> 00:11:38.206 align:middle Another student commented that they appreciated "the instructors used creative projects, 00:11:38.206 --> 00:11:43.246 align:middle assignments, and challenging papers to push me beyond my limits and show me that I was able 00:11:43.246 --> 00:11:45.216 align:middle to do far more than I thought possible." 00:11:45.746 --> 00:11:50.116 align:middle I would also like to highlight a couple of facts 00:11:50.116 --> 00:11:53.156 align:middle about our faculty students and faculty this year. 00:11:53.826 --> 00:11:57.546 align:middle One of our long-time part-time faculty members, Patty Wong, 00:11:57.546 --> 00:12:03.756 align:middle was just selected the 2021-2022 President of the American Library Association. 00:12:04.496 --> 00:12:08.646 align:middle One of our alumni was selected for the highly competitive 00:12:08.646 --> 00:12:13.536 align:middle and coveted American Library Association's "I Love My Librarian" award, 00:12:13.536 --> 00:12:17.296 align:middle which is awarded to only 10 librarians each year. 00:12:17.826 --> 00:12:23.956 align:middle One alumni is among the ALA Emerging Leaders Class of 2020. 00:12:23.956 --> 00:12:27.846 align:middle And another has just been named a Library Journal mover and shaker, 00:12:27.846 --> 00:12:32.546 align:middle joining 31 others who have previously been selected from our school over the years. 00:12:33.246 --> 00:12:39.546 align:middle Nine of our students were selected as 2019 ALA spectrum scholars this year. 00:12:40.236 --> 00:12:44.636 align:middle And I would also like to recognize the four exceptional students who were selected 00:12:44.636 --> 00:12:47.346 align:middle to receive a director's award for excellence 00:12:47.346 --> 00:12:51.886 align:middle for their outstanding efforts during their graduate program. 00:12:51.916 --> 00:12:55.886 align:middle One award was for intellectual inquiry, that went to Shelby Silvernail. 00:12:56.236 --> 00:13:02.286 align:middle One was for diversity and inclusion, and that went to Bijon Norusian. 00:13:02.786 --> 00:13:07.116 align:middle One went for innovation, and that went to Amanda Cronkite. 00:13:07.156 --> 00:13:10.436 align:middle And one was for building community, and that went to Elizabeth Burgess. 00:13:10.436 --> 00:13:18.186 align:middle I would like to acknowledge our faculty who are joining us today and our staff who work hard 00:13:18.186 --> 00:13:20.986 align:middle to ensure that everything moves smoothly in the school. 00:13:21.486 --> 00:13:26.126 align:middle We all work to support you in your education and as you enter the professional world. 00:13:26.416 --> 00:13:30.746 align:middle As San Jose State graduates, you bear the responsibility today and tomorrow 00:13:30.746 --> 00:13:36.306 align:middle for demonstrating the impact that librarians and information professionals have on the wellbeing 00:13:36.306 --> 00:13:40.556 align:middle of their communities, whether in college and university environments, 00:13:40.556 --> 00:13:43.246 align:middle government environments, school environments, 00:13:43.246 --> 00:13:45.966 align:middle public library environments, or corporate environments. 00:13:46.266 --> 00:13:49.536 align:middle Congratulations to all of you, you've done it. 00:13:49.536 --> 00:13:51.666 align:middle You should be proud of your accomplishments. 00:13:51.666 --> 00:13:52.536 align:middle We certainly are.