UCLA College commencement highlights undergraduate student voices
Kayla McCormack | June 6, 2024
Six student speakers will deliver remarks at three ceremonies on June 14 at Pauley Pavilion. The 2024 UCLA College commencement celebrations will also feature Bruin undergraduate voices for the land acknowledgement and two student singers. Please join us in congratulating this year’s student speakers and performers:
Camryn Redmond is a graduating third-year student at UCLA, studying economics and American Indian studies. Born and raised in Whittier, she is a proud enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.
Redmond’s time at UCLA has demonstrated her commitment to raising awareness, increasing visibility and creating opportunities for Native students. Among other roles, she has served as Miss UCLA Pow Wow 2023–24, the inaugural resident assistant for the American Indian and Pacific Islander Living Learning Community, and president of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society. Looking ahead, Redmond is excited to continue her service and advocacy as she pursues a career in law, determined to further justice and equity for Native peoples.
She thanks her parents, Rachel and Scott, her siblings, Cody and Cassidy, and her friends, mentors and teachers, because without their love and support, she would not be the person she is today.
“UCLA has provided me countless opportunities for growth, not only as a student but also as a leader and advocate. The experiences and relationships I’ve built here will extend far beyond my time as a student, enriching my life as a Bruin dedicated to serving my community. I know my ancestors would be proud of me and I am very excited to see what the future holds!”
Naomi Hammonds is from Las Vegas and is graduating with a degree in psychobiology with minors in cognitive science, entrepreneurship and African-American studies.
Over the last four years, Hammonds has been involved in a wide variety of student organizations and programs at UCLA. As the Undergraduate Students Association Council student body president, she advocated alongside her peers to enhance experiences — and ultimately undergraduate success — through the betterment of diversity, inclusivity, equity, collaboration and retention efforts. Outside of student government, she served as one of the few undergraduate teaching assistants in the division of life sciences and worked to increase equity in the classroom through the Learning Assistant program and as a College Corps Fellow. As a McNair Research Scholar, Bunche Fellow and psychology departmental honors scholar, she researched the sense of belonging of Black undergraduates in STEM and non-STEM spaces.
After graduation, she is excited to become a double Bruin and will be obtaining a master of public health while applying for medical school.
“UCLA is a university that invites learning not only in the classroom but among the community. In that community, I have continued to meet amazing people who have shown me that the sky isn’t even the limit and that there’s no such thing as being a failure. Whenever we attempt something new, we take the risk of failing and in many ways, the act of success is failure, and the act of failure is success. UCLA has taught me that the secret about failing is that it should be enjoyed. Enjoy not knowing how it works, figuring it out and not being scared of it. Failure is what has allowed me to accomplish so much, as it’s a learning tool and stepping stone toward success. UCLA has been the place to teach me how to make and take space, and that no one can do, imagine or think in the way that I do. It’s always been important for me to stand for something, to be a voice for something bigger than me — to not just be here but succeed here and help others along the way. UCLA gave me the platform to do that work.”
Laura De Beer, originally from Brazil, has called Spain, Panama and the United Kingdom home before finding her way to UCLA. Pursuing a B.A. in business economics, Laura has excelled academically while making a lasting impact through her vibrant participation in campus life.
At UCLA, De Beer became a familiar face as a coordinator for the campus tours program, sporting her signature blue polo and welcoming new Bruins with enthusiasm. Her leadership shone brightly as the co-executive director of Spring Sing 2023, where she reveled in the creativity of student performers. Laura also served as a consultant and advisor for Bruin Consulting.
Post-graduation, De Beer will join Morgan Stanley as an investment banking analyst in New York. While she cherishes UCLA’s sunshine, it is the school’s strong sense of community that she holds most dear. She is profoundly grateful for the friendships that have enriched her journey, shaping her into the person she is today.
“UCLA is like walking up Bruin Walk: your journey begins with headphones in ears, nervous of what your next class may present you with; but then you are handed a free muffin, a student lets you pet their dog to destress for finals and you buy a cup of coffee from one of many clubs who are fundraising. You run into a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, and they invite you to dinner the following day. And thus, you emerge on top with more resources you can carry, new and unexpected plans, and a friend by your side. That is UCLA.”
Cameron Petrusevski is an atmospheric and oceanic sciences student with a minor in film, television and digital media. Originally from Orland Park, Illinois, Petrusevski began his journey at UCLA in 2019 but was forced to return home shortly after he was ultimately diagnosed with a rare type of blood cancer. During his treatment, Petrusevski attended Saint Xavier University as a member of the men’s volleyball team, often going straight from chemotherapy to individual practices.
In 2022, he returned to UCLA, eager to immerse himself in the vibrant campus life and academic dreams he had missed. Passionate about giving back to help fellow cancer survivors, he fundraised for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Cancer for College organizations. Petrusevski comes from a family of eight and credits his friends and family for their support in shaping his resilience and determination. He is grateful for the opportunity to have attended UCLA and deepen his knowledge and passion in a variety of fields.
Petrusevski will be continuing his studies at UCLA, pursuing a master’s in atmospheric and oceanic sciences with the goal of a career in broadcast meteorology. He is honored to be a commencement speaker this year, and to celebrate the class of 2024!
“UCLA has taught me to fully embrace my curiosity and appreciate learning from a variety of perspectives. The opportunity to attend a university with such a driven and passionate student body has been incredibly inspiring to me and I cannot wait to carry the lessons I have learned here with me wherever I go. UCLA has truly instilled in me that my wildest dreams are within reach and I am thankful to forever be a Bruin!”
Arezo Ahmadi is from Fremont, California, and she is a molecular, cell and developmental biology major and a global health and disability studies double minor. As a child of Deaf adults (CODA) and an aspiring physician, Ahmadi became passionate about researching the intersection of disability advocacy and healthcare outreach in college. Consequently, she was drawn to UCLA for the opportunity to explore her growing interests.
At UCLA, Ahmadi has pursued such interests through leadership in organizations like the UCLA Disabilities and Computing program and the Social Media Access for All Lab. She is also a reading tutor for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children and has launched several student-centered campaigns to raise awareness about accessibility.
After graduation, Ahmadi is excited to announce that she will be starting medical school at her dream school, the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine. She thanks her parents for their constant love and support.
“My time at UCLA has been one of the most supportive, welcoming and encouraging experiences of my life. With the support and guidance of my UCLA community, I’ve been able to take risks and venture outside my comfort zone, discovering my passions for my career and for life. UCLA is a place of limitless opportunity, and I am so grateful and proud to have been a Bruin.”
Lauren Kobashigawa is from the Bay Area and will graduate cum laude with a B.A. in communication and minors in entrepreneurship and global studies. Over her four years, she actively participated in various clubs and organizations. As a member of the Student Alumni Association, she planned networking and spirit events to foster community between UCLA students and alumni. She was a campus tour guide where she shared her passion for and knowledge of UCLA with prospective and admitted students. As a director for the Special Olympics Club, she worked to promote inclusivity for individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports. Additionally, Kobashigawa was a Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority member, worked in the UCLA student advertising department, and taught yoga sculpt at the CorePower Yoga studio in Westwood.
After graduation, Kobashigawa is moving to New York to work in advertising for Disney. She is honored to be a student speaker and is deeply grateful for the experiences, opportunities and friendships she has formed at UCLA.
“UCLA has provided endless opportunities and created a space for personal and professional growth. This institution challenged me to think outside the box and helped me discover my own voice. I have formed lifelong friendships and connected with inspiring individuals from all around the world. I feel so proud to be part of the Bruin community!”
Khushi Bhatt is graduating summa cum laude in microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics with a minor in Latin. Born in Toronto, she has since lived in Ohio, New Jersey, Tennessee, California and Washington state. Bhatt selected UCLA for its vibrant, collaborative and innovative environment that allowed her to explore her interdisciplinary interests alongside new faculties.
Over her undergraduate experience, Bhatt volunteered at Ronald Reagan Medical Center while contributing to research within the Houk group and serving as co-president of the Classical Society at UCLA and its chapter of Eta Sigma Phi. Additionally, as an independent consultant, Bhatt enables students from all walks of life to pursue their educational aspirations. She also serves as a regional lead for BAPS, a volunteer-driven global Hindu socio-spiritual organization.
Post-graduation, Bhatt will be attending medical school at UC Irvine. She is grateful to celebrate the achievements of the class of 2024.
“Over the past four years, UCLA has offered an abundance of opportunities that enabled me to explore new horizons and untap my hidden potential while contributing to the success of others.”
Nathaniel Wu is a second-generation Chinese American originally from the East Bay Area. He is graduating with a B.S. in statistics and data science. During his time at UCLA, he has served in a variety of positions on campus, including lead tour guide of UCLA campus tours, the interchapter chair of the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity and an emcee of the Hawaii Club Lu’au. He has also participated in club swimming, the global cities exchange program in Amsterdam and cognitive science research with the Anderson School of Management. After he graduates, he is moving to New York City to start a job as a compensation consultant at Aon.
He would like to give a special shout-out to his parents, Raymond and Jing, his sister Jackie, and twin Teddy as he would not be here today without them.
“UCLA has provided me with an experience that I had only dreamed of. When I was just a high schooler, I was excited, but immensely scared of the journey ahead of me. But UCLA has far exceeded my expectations. It has provided me with memories for the rest of my life.”
Alexa Parvaneh is graduating this year with a B.A. in philosophy and will be fulfilling her pursuit of becoming a trial attorney as she embarks on this next long-anticipated chapter of her life. Trained as a jazz singer from a young age, Parvaneh’s commitment to music has been a lifelong journey, and she constantly seeks opportunities to share this passion with others. As the president of UCLA Random Voices A Cappella, she has had the privilege of performing across campus with her talented peers, leading the group in numerous successful events and competitions. Parvaneh is honored to be singing the national anthem at 2024 commencement ceremony, marking her final performance at UCLA.
“I can’t imagine my life without UCLA’s influence. This university has imparted many indispensable life lessons, making me wiser and closer to the person I strive to be. With people from all walks of life on one campus, being immersed in this environment is an invaluable experience for which I will forever be grateful.”
Danielle Groode is from Sherman Oaks and is graduating summa cum laude with her B.A. in sociology. During her time at UCLA, she has fallen in love with the beautiful campus, diverse student body and world of opportunity!
Groode spends most of her time outside of class putting on musical productions with HOOLIGAN Theater Company, UCLA’s largest student theater company. HOOLIGAN has been a wonderful community where Danielle has been able to express her artistry and make UCLA feel more intimate.
Groode was born at the Ronald Reagan Medical Center and is the sixth member of her family to attend UCLA. She is beyond thrilled to be honoring her family legacy by performing the national anthem at commencement. She wishes the class of 2024 good luck in their next chapter!
“During my time at UCLA, I found a community in HOOLIGAN Theater Company, which has brightened my life in so many ways by allowing me to pursue my passions alongside my studies. I have made wonderful friendships and memories with brilliant people from a wide array of backgrounds. UCLA is an enormous school with a richly diverse student body that has allowed me to feel enriched by the world without leaving my home city. My amazing community here reminds me that I will always find my place in whatever lies ahead.”
London Hibbs is a senior majoring in music performance (voice) and minoring in music industry at the Herb Alpert School of Music. She was recently selected as a finalist for the UCLA Vocal Vision Awards and has been a member of both chamber singers and chorale. During her four years as a Bruin, she has performed in three operas, including chorus roles in “Le Nozze di Figaro,” “The Rake’s Progress” and “L’elisir d’amore.” London has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House and Lincoln Center, and won the national title of Miss America’s Teen 2019. In 2022, she made her European debut at the Vienna Summer Music Festival singing the role of Mercury in Michael Polo’s new opera “Pluto” and also covered the role of Zerlina in “Don Giovanni.”
As a UCLA cheerleader, London sang the national anthem for several basketball games, and has enjoyed being a part of the Spirit Squad for the past two years. London is excited to continue her passion for music and expand her repertoire to include many other genres after graduating this June.
“My journey at UCLA has illuminated the possibility of experiencing the ‘best of both worlds’ during undergrad. I feel immensely blessed to have had the opportunity to pursue my passion for music alongside cheerleading and being active on campus. UCLA’s unique ability to offer such a comprehensive experience within a specialized degree is truly exceptional, and for that, I’ll forever be grateful. Go Bruins!”
