SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
University Affairs Office
1801 E. Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928-3609
(707) 664-2057
e-mail: jean.wasp@sonoma.edu
University Affairs Office
1801 E. Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928-3609
(707) 664-2057
e-mail: jean.wasp@sonoma.edu
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2003 File #377
Contact: Jean Wasp, Media Relations, (707) 664-2057
Raza and Black Student Graduation Celebrations on May 30
Two special graduation celebrations take place on the SSU campus on Friday, May 30. These special ceremonies are organized by the students themselves to honor their efforts and achievements. Graduates in these two ceremonies take part in the university-wide Commencement 2003 ceremony on Saturday, May 31.Raza Graduation Celebration Allows Students to Thank Their Mentors and Familia
Each year graduating Sonoma State University students with Native American, Latino or Chicano heritage gather for Raza Graduation.
This year’s 26th annual Raza Graduation ceremony is 5 p.m. on Friday, May 30 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 25 graduates attending are first-generation college graduates and this special celebration allows them to personally thank their advisors, professors, family and friends.
The ceremony includes a keynote speech by SSU professor Arturo Ramirez and several student speakers.
This years graduation will celebrate not only the graduates but also the faculty who have gone out of their way to work with the students. A special award will go to Ronnie Respress, a much loved student who died this year in an automobile accident .
A personal powerpoint presentation with a montage of photographs is projected on a screen behind each graduate as they speak from the stage.
Graduating students will have the opportunity to address the audience and thank those who have helped them through college. Last year’s event drew several hundred people.
"I think that this year's graduating class will be leave a mark at SSU because we have worked very closely in order to bring it together," says Raza organizer Mariana Garcia. " We are very excited because it is our turn to wear our caps and gowns, shed a few tears of sadness and joy, and to thank all of the amazing people that have crossed our paths."
"Last year, I was quite moved when the students came up on stage and thanked those who supported them.," says Richard A. Rodriguez, director of Counseling and Psychological Services at SSU and advisor to Raza Graduation.
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 Graduation Celebration Features Gospel Choir
The 11th annual Black Graduation Celebration will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 30 in the Cooperage. More than 40 African-American students will receive their bachelor’s or master’s degree this May.
The Black Graduation Celebration is an opportunity for the University to acknowledge the achievements of African-American students and their families.
SSU president Ruben Armiñana will greet the graduates and the program will feature a student speaker, musical selections by the Sonoma State Gospel Ensemble, and guest speaker Vallera Johnson, administrative law judge in San Diego County.
A reception follows the program.