Recognition ceremony for graduating Latinos and indigenous students at CSUSB is Saturday, June 7

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – The Association of Latino Faculty, Staff and Students at California State University, San Bernardino, will hold its annual graduate recognition ceremony on Saturday, June 7, at 2 p.m. at Coussoulis Arena to celebrate the accomplishments of graduating Latinos and indigenous students.

“This year’s recognition ceremony includes Native American graduates for the first time,” said César Caballero, dean of the Pfau Library and ALFSS president. “The ceremony provides graduating students an opportunity to thank their families and friends for their support, and to inspire younger siblings that they, too, may someday become university graduates.”

Nearly 300 graduating students are expected to participate according to event planners, along with 18 faculty members in full regalia leading the procession, who will also sash the graduates with a cultural stole. Graduates may still register at the door the day of the event for $35 by cash or check. Parking on campus is complimentary in Lots G and H.

Although the arena guest seating has sold out, family and friends may view the event in an overflow location in the College of Education building, room 105.

The event will consist of a keynote address by Louie F. Rodriguez, associate professor of CSUSB’s educational leadership and curriculum and co-director of the doctorate in educational leadership program. His topic, “Having the Courage to Accept our Own Excellence,” will address the graduates’ responsibility to step up to owning their own excellence.

“As degree-earning Latino and indigenous communities in the Inland Empire, I want to encourage each graduate to be a model of excellence willing to serve their community,” Rodriguez said.

Jimi Castillo, a Native American spiritual leader, will perform the Four Directions Blessing. The graduates will proceed through the stage after receiving their cultural sash, greet the platform party and have the opportunity to give a 15-second shout-out to their families on the microphone.

Cultural entertainment will be provided by Sinfonía Mexicana, Aztec dancers and St. Mary’s Ballet Folclórico of Redlands. The recipients of the ALFSS scholarships will also be announced.

A reception for graduates and their families will follow at approximately 4 p.m. on the north patio of the Pfau Library with light refreshments and live entertainment.

For more information about Latino and Indigenous Graduate Recognition, contact Jesse Felix at (909) 537-3954 or email felixj@csusb.edu.

For more information about Cal State San Bernardino, contact the university’s Office of Public Affairs at (909) 537-5007 and visit news.csusb.edu.