California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) will confer a record number of degrees during graduation week this year. The commencement ceremonies for the eight different colleges will be held between May 19 and 22, where nearly 10,000 graduates will receive their bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees for the 2014-15 academic year, the most in the university’s history.

Despite years of declining investment from the state, a lack of funding that forced the CSU system to raise tuition to the chagrin of attending students, CSULB’s efforts to raise graduation rates were not deterred. Rates have been raised nearly 30 percent over the past decade, according to the university.

This will be Jane Close Conoley’s first commencement as CSULB’s president.

“Commencement is the highlight of the academic year as we celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating students, so I am truly looking forward to my first commencement at CSULB,” she said in a statement.

“Thanks to their hard work, and the support of family, friends, faculty and staff, the Class of 2015 goes into the world ready to succeed,” she continued. “I can’t wait to shake the hand of each one of our graduates and encourage them to stay connected and get involved. Our alumni contribute enormously to the strength and vitality of The Beach.”

For students, family and friends attending graduation ceremonies, CSULB urges guests to avoid accessing the 405 Freeway from 7th Street due to traffic congesting. For more information about commencement, click here.