There was a time when Cal State Fullerton Class of 2026 grad DeShawn SirajanMuneer-Hunter didn’t think he would make it this far in his educational journey. But he crossed the graduation stage and earned a bachelor’s degree in human services.

And he’s not done. This fall, he will continue his education at Columbia University in the master’s program in social work.

SirajanMuneer-Hunter, who was formerly incarcerated for 19 years, also aspires to earn a law degree and a doctorate from Columbia Law School’s dual degree program.

“When I was released in October of 2023, I carried a sacred promise made to my late mother that I was more than a statistic and that I would beat the impossible odds,” SirajanMuneer-Hunter told fellow graduates during a commencement address for the College of Health and Human Development.

SirajanMuneer-Hunter credits the university’s Project Rebound program, which supports the higher education and successful reintegration of the formerly incarcerated, for guiding him throughout his CSUF education. He also received transitional housing through the program’s John Irwin Memorial House in north Orange County.

“Being a Project Rebound scholar was a tremendous help. It provided me with a strong sense of community and put a roof over my head so I could attend CSUF,” he said. “The program gave me a boost in confidence and showed me that I am not alone.”

Since the program’s founding on campus in 2016 with a single graduate, Project Rebound at CSUF has supported 190 graduates, including 47 in the Class of 2026, said James “JC” Cavitt, executive director.

Nearly half, or 47%, of Project Rebound alums have gone on to pursue graduate or professional degrees, Cavitt added.

SirajanMuneer-Hunter, a Los Angeles native, shared that the hardships and adversities he has faced have only made him stronger and refined his purpose.

“Our lived experiences are our greatest professional tools,” said SirajanMuneer-Hunter, whose career goal is to launch his nonprofit Camp Resistance, Evasion, Escape and Survival, an alternative to juvenile incarceration.

CSUF President Ronald Rochon encouraged grads to take heed of SirajanMuneer-Hunter’s message and rise above self-doubt to change the world: “You are all worthy, you are all purposeful, you are all amazing. Go out and serve.”

Celestina Barbosa-Leiker, dean of the College of Health and Human Development, said CSUF graduates like SirajanMuneer-Hunter are sought after and respected in today’s workforce.

“Now more than ever, we are needed to serve our communities and fulfill our college’s mission, which is to create healthier and more equitable communities and prepare students to thrive in a globalized era in their chosen field,” Barbosa-Leiker said.

SirajanMuneer-Hunter reminded grads that their paths are interconnected by the understanding that stability and belonging are the primary tools for healing.

“The world may try to tell you who you are based on where you’ve been. But after today, you tell the world who you are by where you are going,” he said.

“As we leave Cal State Fullerton, let us be the strategic thinkers and mentors who nurture the brilliance in others, ensuring that we are preserving our future, today. We have proven we can succeed. Now let’s go out and ensure others can too.”

Courtesy CSUF