Cal State Long Beach students celebrate in-person graduation at Angel Stadium

ANAHEIM, Calif. (KABC) -- One year after the coronavirus pandemic halted graduation ceremonies, Cal State Long Beach students got to participate in an in-person graduation ceremony Friday.

Seven ceremonies for the classes of 2020 and 2021 are being held at Angel Stadium this year.

CSULB staff expect each of their ceremonies to be at or near the capacity limit of 15,000 people. The stadium is scheduled to be fully disinfected between each event.

Many students expressed gratitude that they are even able to celebrate in person this year and say they feel safe doing so.

"I have less worry, as well as less... nervousness just because I am fully vaccinated so at the end of the day, as long as I keep my distance, I know what I'm doing... I feel fine," said graduate Michael Vong.

Students will not be called up individually at the main ceremony, but with a QR code and personalized backdrop at smaller recognition stages set up in the parking lot, they can still hear their names called and get that photo opportunity.

Graduate Amr Elessawy, who is among the Class of 2020, says he found a blessing in the year-long wait for graduation.

"My family is still here in the states, but most of them are watching the live stream and recordings over in Egypt, so they're having a good time," he said.