School of Business & Society Commencement

Saturday, April 22, 2023

The School of Business & Society Commencement ceremony has concluded

The encore presentation will be available on this page for a limited time.

James Ramos in a blue suit, striped tie, and turquoise ring. He is standing outside with  shaded green lawn in the background.

James C. Ramos ’09

California Assemblymember, 45th District

Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters and
Commencement Speaker

Assemblymember James C. Ramos , a lifelong resident of the San Manuel Indian Reservation and member of the Serrano/Cahuilla tribe, became the first California Native American state lawmaker in 2018. He currently represents the 45th District, which includes the cities of Fontana, Highland, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto, and San Bernardino.

As a child, Ramos lived in one of the most poverty-stricken areas of the county. To help support his family while attending school, he worked in fast food restaurants and as a janitor in the San Bernardino City Unified School District. Recognizing the importance of education, he went on to receive an associate degree in business at Victor Valley College, a bachelor’s degree in accounting at California State University, San Bernardino, and an MBA at the University of Redlands.

Ramos’ commitment to public service led to a number of firsts: first Native American named to the California State Board of Education, the San Bernardino Community College Board of Trustees, and the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. During his time on the County Board of Supervisors, he served as Board Chair from 2015-2017 where he oversaw America’s largest geographic county and served a community of nearly 2.2 million residents.

Ramos is former Chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, with a deep commitment to the preservation of California Indian culture. He is also co-founder of the San Manuel Band’s Cultural Awareness Program, and serves as director of the California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference held annually at California State University, San Bernardino. James and his wife, Terri, have been married for more than 30 years, and are the proud parents of four children and grandparents of three grandchildren.

Cynjun Salinas wearing a blue blazer and light blue gingham button up shirt.

Cynjun Salinas '17, '22, '23

School of Business & Society Student Commencement Speaker

Cynjun Salinas ’17, ’22, ’23 first came to the University of Redlands College of Arts & Sciences in the fall of 2015 as a transfer student after earning his associate’s degree and commission as an engineer officer in the United States Army. He immediately found himself immersed in the Redlands experience, where he was engaged in many facets of student life from ASUR (student government) to the Redlands Dance Company, to Greek Life. Additionally, while studying for his bachelor’s degree, Cynjun served as a platoon leader in the California Army National Guard for the 315th Vertical Construction Company in Riverside, California.

After earning his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a second major in economics in 2017, he continued his professional career in the Army as a finance officer, where he trained and prepared soldiers prior to their deployments to countries like Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, and Afghanistan. In 2022, after returning to the University, Cynjun completed his MBA, participating in some hallmark experiences such as the Global Consultancy in Spain. After observing the evolving business landscape around him and picking up a keen interest in data analytics, Cynjun decided to continue his education and enrolled in the Master of Business Analytics program.

Cynjun’s professional career is squarely at the intersection of data, finance, and project management. He currently works as an assistant vice president of project management at The Capital Group, American Funds, where he defines the business strategy, project scope, and execution of enterprise wide data analytics and finance transformation initiatives. Cynjun is optimistic about the advancements in knowledge, data, and technology can bring to the world. He is extremely grateful to his professors and peers that have guided him through his education. He credits his parents, sister, fiancé for being his support system as well always believing in him.

 

School of Business & Society Events

THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2023

First Generation Recognition
7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Orton Center
Please join us as we celebrate our First Generation students’ accomplishments. For additional information, contact campusdiversity@redlands.edu.
RSVP required

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023

Lavender Recognition Ceremony
4 p.m.
Casa Loma
Please join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of our LGBTQIA2S+ graduation candidates at the annual Lavender Recognition Ceremony. For additional information, contact campusdiversity@redlands.edu.
RSVP required

FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2023

Students of Color Celebration
2:30 p.m.
Memorial Chapel
The Students of Color Recognition Ceremony provides the opportunity for students of color to celebrate in a more intimate setting. For additional information, contact campusdiversity@redlands.edu.
RSVP required

Friday, April 21, 2023 

 

Baccalaureate Processional Line-up 
Cap and gown required

10:30 a.m.
Hall of Letters, North Lawn

Baccalaureate 11 a.m.
Memorial Chapel
Legacy Medallion Ceremony
RSVP required
1 p.m.
Alumni House Lawn
Students of Color Recognition Ceremony
RSVP required
2:30 p.m. 
Memorial Chapel

Saturday, April 22, 2023

 
School of Business & Society Processional Line-up  9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. 
Casa Loma Parking Lot
School of Business & Society Commencement Ceremony 10 a.m. - Noon 
Ted Runner Stadium
School of Business & Society Reception Noon - 1:30 p.m. 
Orton Center

Please note: For the comfort of all our guests, no smoking, pets, or emotional support animals are allowed at any event, whether indoors or outside.
Learn about accessible parking and other accommodations.

See the full schedule of events

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