Celebrating the Spirit of Graduation: California Graduates

Graduation is more than just a ceremony—it symbolizes perseverance, purpose, and community. As the academic year comes to a close, we proudly celebrate a new class of graduates from our university partners at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), Cal State LA, and Fresno State. These partnerships lie at the core of the California Scottish Rite Foundation’s mission. They help shape the future of speech-language pathology and communication sciences through collaboration, clinical experience, and shared values.

Stronger Together: The Value of University Partnerships

Members of the California Scottish Rite Foundation and the Staff from the Department of Speech-Language Pathology, California State University of Long Beach.

At the California Scottish Rite Foundation, we understand the power of partnerships. They transform lives. Through our ongoing collaboration with CSULB, Cal State LA, and Fresno State, we support emerging professionals in speech-language pathology. We offer meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that bridge theory and practice.

These partnerships fuel our RiteCare Childhood Language Centers. They cultivate a pipeline of skilled and compassionate clinicians. Our students provide crucial therapy services to children in need and conduct cutting-edge research. They are shaping the landscape of our field and enriching our communities.

Spotlight: Elise Guerra, Fresno State

Elise Guerra, of El Nido, earned her M.A. in speech-language pathology with a 4.0 GPA from Fresno State University.

Among this year’s outstanding graduates is Elise Guerra. She earned her M.A. in speech-language pathology from Fresno State with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Elise’s story is one of incredible resilience and impactful change. As a Smittcamp Family Honors Scholar, she has been a lifelong Bulldog. Elise was inspired to pursue speech-language pathology after overcoming a severe traumatic brain injury as a child. Her journey—from patient to clinician—is a testament to how personal experiences can shape meaningful careers.

Elise completed clinical hours at the Fresno State-Scottish Rite Speech and Language Clinic. There, she worked with children facing complex communication challenges. She also worked with adults recovering from brain injuries at Community Regional Medical Center’s Leon S. Peters Rehabilitation Center. Here, she educated families and treated cognitive-communication disorders. Additionally, she developed an innovative treatment model for executive functioning in adolescents with autism.

Beyond her clinical work, Elise presented her thesis at the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convergence. She held leadership roles with Associated Students, Inc. Elise plans to return to Fresno State to pursue a Ph.D. and ultimately become a professor.

Celebrating Every Graduate

Elise’s journey, while exceptional, reflects a larger community of graduates from CSULB, Cal State LA, and Fresno State. These graduates are equipped and ready to leave their mark. They have dedicated countless hours in classrooms, clinics, and communities. They learned not just how to treat speech and language disorders, but also how to listen, advocate, and lead.

As these graduates step into the workforce, we take pride in having been part of their growth and development. Our university partnerships offer more than just clinical opportunities. They provide a foundation for careers rooted in service and impact.

Looking Ahead: The Power of Community

A student clinician from Cal State LA and her client.

Graduation does not mark the end of the journey. Many of our graduates remain connected through mentorship, continued education, and community engagement. Our university partnerships create a vibrant network of clinicians, educators, and advocates who support each other long after graduation.

We invite our partners, alumni, and supporters to continue walking alongside us. Whether through research collaboration, student training, or supporting the RiteCare Centers, every touchpoint strengthens our shared mission. Together, we help children find their voice and support the professionals dedicated to helping them speak.

Final Words

To our graduates—congratulations! Your hard work, heart, and service have already made a difference. We are honored to have supported your journey, and we look forward to seeing where your path leads next.

To current students: Get involved. Ask questions. Embrace the opportunities available through your university’s partnership with the California Scottish Rite Foundation.

Together, we are building a future where every child is heard, and every graduate is empowered to help make that future possible.