Delroy Lindo tells SFSU graduates to ‘be bold’ at 125th Commencement
The actor and honorary degree recipient praised SFSU’s tradition of expanding opportunity and supporting students
Oscar-nominated actor Delroy Lindo (B.A., ’04) urged the Class of 2026 to create opportunities for themselves and others at San Francisco State University’s 125th Commencement ceremony, held Thursday, May 21, at Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants.
Extending the celebration beyond the ballpark, Salesforce Tower lit up the San Francisco skyline with student-created artwork honoring this year’s graduating Gators.
Speaking to a crowd of more than 30,000 graduates, family members and supporters at Oracle Park, Lindo encouraged students to embrace ambition, resilience and the values they developed at SFSU.
“Set goals for yourselves, you guys, as clearly and specifically as you’re able, as I did,” said Lindo, a 2026 Academy Award nominee in the Best Supporting Actor category for his performance in “Sinners.” “And know this — your definition of success is the only definition that matters.”
An SFSU alumnus and member of the SFSU Foundation Board of Directors, Lindo described speaking at Commencement as “a homecoming of sorts” and praised the University’s longstanding commitment to expanding access and opportunity.
“What I’ve always appreciated about State is that it’s an institution priding itself on creating opportunity where opportunity has not previously existed,” Lindo said.
He also encouraged graduates to take pride in what they had already overcome to earn their degrees.
“Don’t forget who you are, where you came from, what you come from, and embrace that,” he said. “Be bold, be proud. Because you all deserve it.”
The ceremony celebrated 7,269 graduates, many of whom balanced work, family responsibilities and other challenges while earning their degrees. SFSU President Lynn Mahoney praised the class for its commitment and tenacity, noting that many students began their academic journeys during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You learned to navigate a virtual world and became part of the generation that helped us move beyond the challenges of the pandemic and reconnect in innovative ways,” Mahoney said. “You are exemplars of resilience and success.”
Mahoney also emphasized the University’s mission of educational equity, highlighting the many first-generation college graduates in the Class of 2026 and recognizing the 210 student veterans earning degrees this year.
In addition to delivering the keynote address, Lindo received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree. He was recognized alongside muralist and educator Juana Alicia and broadcast journalist Wendy Tokuda, who also received honorary doctorates during the ceremony.
Student speakers reflected on the personal and academic journeys that brought them to Commencement.
Graduate student speaker Tanya Aghazadeh shared how perseverance carried her through the demands of working full time while pursuing her degree. “Today is not only a celebration of a degree — it’s a celebration of everything we overcame to get here,” she said.
Undergraduate speaker Orlando Mayen-Castañeda described overcoming housing instability and self-doubt to pursue his passion for astronomy. He credited mentors and community at SFSU for helping him stay on track, encouraging his fellow graduates to support others in turn.
“Be the reason somebody keeps going,” he said. “Because your story matters. Your voice matters. And the world needs what only you can offer.”
At the close of the ceremony, graduates marked the milestone by moving their tassels from right to left — officially becoming members of SFSU’s global alumni community of more than 300,000.
“You have and will make us proud,” Mahoney said.
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