Update on Cultural Graduation Ceremonies at Cal Poly Humboldt
The Cultural Centers for Academic Excellence at Cal Poly Humboldt are hosting cultural graduation ceremonies to celebrate diverse communities for the May 2022 graduation. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, these ceremonies have been held virtually. The graduating class of 2022 will be the first to have cultural graduation ceremonies in person since the pandemic started.
For students, staff and family members, hosting a celebration separate from the general commencement on May 14 is a time to honor student achievements while also staying rooted in culture.
“We want a space that recognizes and celebrates our accomplishments, successes, and achievements,” said Jessica Ordaz, the event planning specialist from El Centro Academico Cultural. “We will be having performances presented by Danza Azteca, folklorico, and mariachi…this is how most of our families celebrate when there is an event so us having these types of performances makes it really special.”
Adrienne Colegrove-Raymond, the director of the Indian Tribal and Educational Personnel Program, shared that the Native Graduation Sash Ceremony is a testament to Native resilience and thriving communities.
To host these ceremonies, the centers receive funding from the university. The centers also organize fundraisers and take donations to cover the costs of sashes, performances and other graduation expenses.
Cultural graduation details are still being planned. The following information is current as of Feb. 24.
Asian, Desi, Pacific, Islander, North African, Middle Eastern (ADPI+MENA) Graduation
Hosted by: Social Justice Equity and Inclusion Center
How: In person
When: Friday, May 14 from 5:30 p.m. -7 p.m.
Where: Tentatively at the Great Hall or Goodwin Forum
Registration: Students should reach out to sjeic@humboldt.edu for more information.
Black Graduation Ceremony
Hosted by: The Umoja for Panafrican Student Excellence
How: In person
When: Tentatively Friday, May 13 at 6 p.m.
Where: Tentatively at Fulkerson Hall
Registration: Graduating students should look out for an email or reach out to umoja@humboldt.edu
Latinx Grad
Hosted by: El Centro de Académico Cultural
How: In person
When: Friday, May 13
Where: Lumberjack arena (subject to change)
Registration: Students must register for the ceremony by April 8 at 11:59 p.m by completing the online registration form on El Centros website.
Native American Sash Ceremony
Hosted by: ITEPP Native American Center for Academic Excellence
How: In person
When: Thursday, May 12 at 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: Location TBA for Native Graduation Sash Ceremony
Deadline to participate: Email the ITEPP center by April 29 at hsuitepp@humboldt.edu
Queer Graduation (Q-Grad)
Hosted by: Social Justice Equity and Inclusion Center
How: In person
When: Thursday, May 5 from 5-7 p.m.
Where: Tentatively at the Great Hall or Goodwin Forum
Registration: Students should reach out to sjeic@humboldt.edu
