Cal State Fullerton Commencement Features Vikki Vargas as Keynote Speaker

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Students proudly celebrating their achievements during the Cal State Fullerton Commencement ceremony.

News Summary

Vikki Vargas, a seasoned journalist and Cal State Fullerton alumna, will deliver the keynote address at the upcoming College of Communications Commencement on May 22. Recognized for her remarkable contributions to journalism, Vargas will also receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. With a notable career at NBC Los Angeles, Vargas has won multiple awards and established a scholarship for broadcast journalism students. The ceremony is part of a celebration for over 11,000 graduates, with CSUF emphasizing its commitment to supporting first-generation and underrepresented students.

Fullerton, California – Vikki Vargas, a distinguished journalist and Cal State Fullerton alumna, is set to deliver the keynote address at the College of Communications Commencement ceremony on May 22. In recognition of her impressive contributions to journalism, Vargas will also be awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during the ceremony.

Vargas, who graduated from Cal State Fullerton in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, has made a significant impact in the field over her 41-year career at NBC Los Angeles. She retired in 2023 as a respected reporter and bureau chief in Orange County, having earned accolades including five Golden Mike Awards and four Emmy Awards throughout her tenure.

The Commencement ceremony is part of a larger event that spans from May 19 to May 22, with more than 11,000 students from Cal State Fullerton expected to participate. The university anticipates over 100,000 attendees during this important occasion, showcasing the achievements of graduates. In addition to Vargas, entrepreneur Charlie Zhang will also receive an honorary doctorate for his contributions to the university.

In 2011, Vargas and NBC Los Angeles established a scholarship for broadcast journalism students at Cal State Fullerton, reflecting her commitment to nurturing the next generation of journalists. This initiative aligns with the university’s mission to support first-generation and underrepresented students. Approximately one-third of CSUF students are first-time college attendees, a demographic Vargas identifies with personally.

Vargas’s journalism career began as an intern at KOCE-TV while she was still a student. She later advanced to work at KESQ in Palm Springs and KNBC-TV in Burbank as a general assignment reporter, eventually making her mark at NBC Los Angeles. In March 2023, she received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Radio Television News Association, acknowledging her dedication and excellence in broadcasting.

Presently, Vargas resides in the Palm Springs area and works as a news content specialist at NBC Palm Springs, where she continues to share her expertise in the field of journalism. Cal State Fullerton President Ronald S. Rochon recognized Vargas’s impactful reporting and her commitment to serving communities, highlighting her legacy within the field.

Cal State Fullerton stands as the largest university in the California State University system and the only one located in Orange County, offering a total of 122 degree programs. The institution is known for its dedication to supporting first-generation and underrepresented students, providing educational opportunities to diverse communities.

The Commencement ceremonies will feature multiple events, including recognition of outstanding senior and graduate students. The entire ceremony will be live-streamed, allowing family and friends who cannot attend in person to celebrate the achievements of their loved ones. For more information about the schedule and festivities, the complete details will be available on the CSUF’s 2023 Commencement website.