This marks the eighth year the 推荐杏吧原创's Spring Commencement was complemented by five Cultural Graduate Celebrations, organized by The Center, Every Student. Every Story. These celebrations bring together students, friends, family and faculty to recognize the achievements of Class of 2019 graduates from across disciplines.
African Diaspora Graduate Celebration
Masters of Ceremonies Albert Lee and Paul Mitchell led the event, which kicked off with Fred Holman's University Welcome and a performance of the Black National Anthem by Albert Lee, followed by the Invocation. SaMoura Horsely, Sylvia Stephens and Pa'shun Minter gave spoken word performances, and TaShauna Stewart delivered the student address. Naida Parson gave the keynote address. Jose Miguel Pulido Leon and Melanie Duckworth presented stoles to the graduates before a video and invitation to reception from Christine Adelaja.
American Indian & Alaska Native Graduate Celebration
Saundra Mitrovich was Master of Ceremonies for the celebration. Eagle Wings Dance Group led everyone in prayer and a flag song. Welcoming and congratulating students, Jose Miguel Pulido Leon came next, followed by University President Marc Johnson, who also gave his congratulations. Serell Smokey gave the keynote address before honors for being Community and Family Partners were bestowed on PLAN Action Alliance and the Harry Family, respectively. Student addresses were delivered by Christina Thomas and Lynsie Dunn. The Families of Graduates and Native American Alumni Chapter granted certificates and stoles to graduates.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Graduate Celebration
Derek T. Furukawa acted as the Master of Ceremonies for the celebration, welcoming the crowd and introducing Assemblywoman Rochelle Nguyen, the keynote speaker. Student speaker John Vo addressed the audience. Honors were given for Distinguished Scholarship Donor, Outstanding Community Award and scholarship recipients before the processional of the graduates and closing remarks from Furukawa.
Latinx Graduate Celebration
Masters of Ceremonies Lydia Huerta and Robert Gutierrez-Perez opened things up for Jose Miguel Pulido Leon, J. Diego Zarazua and Kevin Carmen, who gave welcome remarks. Assemblywoman Selena Torres delivered the keynote address. Sandra Rodrguez was presented with the Calmecac Award, and Sara Gallego and Vanessa Amaya were presented with La Promesa Awards. New Latinx faculty from across campus presented certificates and stoles to graduates before Huerta and Gutierrez-Perez gave closing remarks.
Lavender Graduate Celebration
Master of Ceremonies Anthony Martinez kicked things off, introducing Jose Miguel Pulido Leon and Kevin Carmen, who gave welcome remarks. The keynote address was delivered by Bernadette Hinojos and followed by a drag performance by BaeBey Blue. Jose Miguel Pulido Leon, Geoffrey Green and Katie Miller granted graduated certificates and cords. Jax Skye gave the student address. Martinez delivered closing remarks and invited everyone to the reception.
North African and Middle Eastern Graduate Celebration
Master of Ceremonies Joey Walloch opened the event and introduced community faith leaders, who led the audience in an Interfaith Unity Blessing. Jose Miguel Pulido Leon and Shannon Ellis gave welcome remarks, and Shadi Martin delivered the keynote address. Graduate Kristopher Omid Alighchi gave the student address before the granting of stoles and certificates. There was a musical performance by Walloch, and Sherif Elfass gave closing remarks before the reception.
Veterans Graduate Celebration
Terina Caserto welcomed the audience and performed the National Anthem. Graduate Eric Salsman delivered the student address, and Eric James gave the keynote address. Graduates were honored by crossing the stage, which was led by Blane Harding. Donald Stockton gave the farewell address.
