Diana Aguilar-Cruz is not slowing down anytime soon!
After nearly a year of serving as a CSU Student Trustee, Aguilar-Cruz is getting ready to walk - and speak - at the College of Science commencement ceremonies. She will walk away from Cal Poly Pomona with a degree in biology and a plethora of polytechnic experiences, including student leadership roles in Associated Student Inc., the Mexican American Student Association, CPP Pre-Medical Student Association, and the CSU Board of Trustees.
That experience representing 477,000 of her peers across the 23 CSU campuses was challenging but extremely rewarding for Aguilar-Cruz. She was appointed by Gov. Newson on June 1, 2022, and has been posting about her journey on her Instagram page.
Watch her inspiring first remarks to the 25 member CSU board:
With one more year in her two-year term, Aguilar-Cruz will continue her work of advocating for CSU students while obtaining her master's in public health at Cal State Fullerton. After grad school, she plans to attend medical school and also earn a Ph.D. in organic chemistry.
Her ultimate goal is to become a pediatric neurosurgeon - a dream she had since she was 4 years old. Moreover, Aguilar-Cruz plans to one day run for an elected office, utilizing her position to serve her community and advocate for improvements in the health care industry. Through dreaming big, Aguilar-Cruz hopes to pave the way for her family and lead by example, especially for her 14-year-old little brother who is an aspiring engineer and wants to go to college in the CSU system.
Read more about her background, family, and journey to the CSU board.
Aguilar-Cruz shared her thoughts in a video Q&A.
Q1: Describe the impact of your CSU Student Trustee journey.
"The biggest lesson I can takeaway from this position is that you have to leave the door open for those who will come after you and honor those who came before you."
Q2: What does graduation mean to you?
"This is an accomplishment not only for me, not only for my family, but for all the people I represent."
Q3: What are your goals after graduation and beyond?
"I know that I am going to be doing the thing I love the most, and that's helping people."
Sharing Wisdom at Commencement
In her Commencement speech on May 23, Aguilar-Cruz talked about the privilege and power of higher education. (Fast forward to 24:26.)
"Remember to honor those who came before you and those who will come after you. Use your education for good and never forget where you came from, your roots. We have a professional, ethical and moral responsibility to serve our people."
Visit the commencement website to find the schedule and information for graduates, guests and visitors. Read more stories about the class of 2023.
