The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies hosted a virtual send-off for its graduating seniors on May 17, 2020. 104 participants, consisting of CCJS faculty members, senior students and their families and friends, joined the hour-long celebration via Zoom. Dr. Anastasia Tosouni served as emcee for the event, which started with faculty members congratulating and extending well wishes to the students. The students then shared their thoughts about leaving SSU and their expectations for the future. Many recalled their fondest memories on campus and shared anecdotes about their professors. Some expressed sadness about not having experienced an actual graduation ceremony. To add some excitement to the Zoom event, the department raffled off $20 and $50 gift cards to the students.
The department decided to organize the virtual send-off to honor its graduating seniors when Sonoma State University announcend the postponement its traditional commencement ceremonies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is the first time that the department hosted a virtual send-off for its seniors.