Marvin Espinoza, the Outstanding Doctoral Student, and Marilyn Monroy, the Outstanding Graduate Student, will be honored when the James R. Watson and Judy Rodriguez Watson College of Education holds its Commencement exercises on May 17 in a joint ceremony with the College of Education, celebrating Cal State San Bernardino’s Class of 2025.

The graduation for the colleges is set for 6 p.m. at the Toyota Arena in Ontario.

Espinoza, of Hesperia, earned his doctor of education in educational leadership with a specialization in community college/higher education. His dissertation, “Legacy of Learning: The Journey of Males of Color and the Sustaining Power of Community Cultural Wealth,” explores how first-generation African American and Latino/Latinx males succeed in education by drawing on their cultural strengths.

“Being recognized as the Outstanding Doctoral Student for 2024–2025 is an honor that affirms the importance and impact of this research,” said Espinoza, whose academic path was shaped by personal adversity and a deep-rooted connection to his South Los Angeles community. “My journey has been about dismantling barriers and advocating for those historically underserved.”

He said he decided to pursue his doctorate “because of my unwavering commitment to promoting equity, inclusion, and access within community colleges. Throughout my personal and professional journey, I've witnessed firsthand the systemic challenges and barriers faced by historically underserved student populations, particularly males of color. These experiences ignited my passion to find solutions that leverage the inherent strengths and cultural assets within communities.”

Along with listing his teachers and his community, Espinoza said his grandmother and mother were his inspiration. “My grandmother inspired in me a deep sense of spirituality and a passion for serving others. Her compassion and unwavering commitment to community taught me the importance of helping those around me,” he said. “My mother instilled in me the value of perseverance and the understanding that success comes through hard work, resilience, and determination.”

Academically at CSUSB, Espinoza said, “Many have significantly influenced me. Throughout my studies at CSUSB, several faculty members stand out for positively shaping my journey: Among them, I would say, Dr. Jesunathadas, Dr. Acevedo, Dr. Wilson, Dr. Fenelon, Dr. Bradshaw, Dr. Kivalahula-Uddin, and Dr. Sumbera. They collectively taught me that meaningful scholarship must be closely tied to practical, real-world impact. Among the most valuable lessons I learned from them is that authentic educational leadership is rooted in humility, compassion, and a continual commitment to empowering others through culturally responsive mentorship and purposeful advocacy.”

Espinoza, who is the first in his family to earn a college degree, plans to continue his work in higher education through teaching, mentorship, and leadership roles at the community college level.

Marilyn Monroy, who completed her master of science in counseling, found her calling at Riverside City College, where the support of counselors helped her discover her purpose. “Counseling felt deeply meaningful to me,” she said, “especially because I was inspired by the impact of the great counselors who supported me.”

She counts her children, Matthew and Miguel, as her biggest inspiration. “They remind me every day why I strive to be better, showing me the power of resilience, love and purpose.”

In her first year in the master’s program, Monroy said she struggled with imposter syndrome, thinking that she didn’t belong in the program. Still, despite the challenges, she remained convinced that she was on the right path.

Academically, Monroy said her mentors, professors Diana Camilo and Jennifer Carhart, imparted valuable lessons. “From Dr. Camilo, I learned the importance of building a strong toolbox, being a resourceful leader, and embracing my role as an advocate for students,” she said. “From Dr. Carhart, I gained the confidence to stand up for myself and the courage to speak up, even in challenging situations.”

Monroy, who, like Espinoza, is the first to earn a college degree in her family, plans to become a school counselor “who makes meaningful impact on students’ lives” and also includes in her goals to return to CSUSB to earn her doctorate in educational leadership.

“CSUSB helped shape my future by teaching me the value of resilience and the strength that comes from community,” she said. “Through the support and resources on campus, I found clarity in my purpose and the confidence to pursue my goals.”