SPECIAL CEREMONIES HONOR MANY

African-American Graduates Celebrate Friday

The Black Scholars United extend an invitation to the campus community to the African-American Celebration at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 25 in the Cooperage. A reception follows. The celebration is an opportunity for the University to acknowledge the achievements of African-American students and the students to thank their families, friends, faculty and mentors. President Ruben Arminana will greet the graduates. A reception follows the program. Guest speaker is Vice-Provost Carol Blackshire-Belay. Moderator is Andre Bailey, friend and mentor to many of the graduates, who speaks every year about the struggles and accomplishments of the students. MORE.

La Raza Students Thank Their Mentors and Familia

This year’s Raza Graduation Celebration is on Friday, May 25 at 5 p.m. in the Evert B. Person Theatre. The ceremony includes cultural music, bilingual keynote speakers, and a unique opportunity for the graduates to thank the individuals who have assisted them in obtaining their degree. A reception follows and provides personal time for graduates, family, faculty, and friends to celebrate with traditional food and music.

Many of the graduates participating in Raza Grad are first-generation college grads, and this special celebration allows them to personally thank those who have gone out of their way to work with the students and help them achieve their educational goal. Each year graduating Sonoma State University students with Native American, Latino or Chicano heritage gather for the annual La Raza graduation celebration. The bilingual ceremony is conducted in Spanish and English and is open to the public. MORE.

First Time for Rainbow Celebration

The Rainbow Graduation Celebration is being held for the first time at SSU on Thursday, May 24 from 7- 9 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room in the Student Union. It is a time for the queer, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit, intersex, questioning, same-gender-loving people and their friends, family, and allies of Sonoma State University to come together to celebrate the accomplishments of the last year and to recognize those moving on to the next chapter in their lives. For more information, contact Julie Greathouse.

Academic School Receptions Follow Commencement

Each academic school hosts an informal reception for graduates and their guests immediately following the Commencement ceremonies. Refreshments are served. The receptions provide a good opportunity for graduates to greet faculty and introduce family and friends, and for informal photographs. The schedule is:

Following the 9 a.m. ceremony:
School of Arts & Humanities (Art Gallery); School of Business & Economics (Stevenson Courtyard); School of Education (Redwood Lounge/Stevenson Hall indoors).

Following the 3 p.m. ceremony:
School of Science & Technology (Darwin Lobby); School of Social Sciences (Stevenson Courtyard).