Two special celebrations honoring the graduation of La Raza and African-American students will take place on the Sonoma State University campus on Friday, May 21.
These special ceremonies are organized by students themselves to laud their college efforts and achievements. Graduates in these two ceremonies also take part in the university-wide Commencement 2004 ceremony on Saturday, May 22.
LA RAZA CELEBRATION
Each year graduating Sonoma State University students with Native American, Latino or Chicano heritage gather for La Raza graduation.
This year's 27th annual La Raza ceremony is at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 21 in 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 the La Raza ceremony 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 the goal of a college degree.
The event is co-sponsored by Raza/Native American Council and Chicano and Latino Studies. The bilingual ceremony is conducted in Spanish and English and is open to the general public.
AFRICAN-AMERICAN CELEBRATION
The 12th annual Black Graduation Celebration at Sonoma State University will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 21 in the Cooperage and is an opportunity for the University to acknowledge the achievements of African-American students and their families.
SSU president Ruben Arminana will greet the graduates and the program will feature a student speaker and guest speaker Munyiga Lumumba of UC Berkeley's Upward Bound program.
Lumumba has dedicated his life's worked to helping low-income and first-generation students.
A reception follows the celebration.
