Graduation with Friends

Edward Stephenson isn’t fond of making speeches.  But after fiver years, the words "thank you" will adorn his cap and gown for a small graduation ceremony.

Stephenson is one of many graduates who will participate in this year’s SDSU cultural graduation celebrations.

Hosted by various groups and student organizations, these events are designed to provide a more intimate feel, celebrating accomplishments and allowing graduates to speak to close family and friends.

“Filipino graduation is much more than just being one person walking with the thousands of others across a stage,” Stephenson said. “Participating in this celebration allows each person to get a chance to say what graduating really means to him or her and to tell it to the people that mean the most.”

Celebrating diversity

These events, though not designed to replace the general commencement, are a celebration of the rich diversity among the SDSU community. 

“The affinity group graduation celebrations provide graduating students with an important opportunity to revel in their accomplishments with their friends, family, faculty and staff,” said Aaron Bruce, SDSU’s chief diversity officer. “They provide an opportunity to celebrate one’s identity and traditions.”

Everyone is welcome to attend and participate in the celebrations.

Event schedule

• Black Baccalaureate Graduation Ceremony
  Thursday, May 17, 7 p.m., Lincoln High School Theater
• Chicana and Chicano Studies Graduation
  Friday, May 18, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., Hepner Hall 130
  Keynote speaker: Assemblyman Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens), '99 (journalism, Chicano studies)
• Filipino Graduation
  Thursday, May 17, 5 p.m., Tula Hall
• Family Graduation (formerly Latino)
  Saturday, May 19, 7-9 p.m., ENS280
• Raza Graduation (MEChA)
  Saturday,May 19, 1:30-5 p.m. East Commons
• Lavender Graduation
  Tuesday, May 8, 2012, 3pm-5pm, Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center
• Veteran Graduation
  Friday, May 4, SVO House