The Center for Multicultural Services collaborates with individuals from numerous departments to coordinate culturally-based graduation celebration ceremonies that complement the university’s commencement ceremonies. The cultural celebrations DO NOT replace the formal graduation commencement ceremonies. These cultural celebrations acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of La Verne students and highlight the accomplishments of individuals within the student’s familial and cultural context.
The cultural graduation celebrations are done in alignment with the Commencement schedule and will only be celebrated in spring. This means students completing their degree program in winter 2023 and in spring 2023 will both be invited to participate in the May 2023 multicultural graduation celebrations.
The May 2023 Multicultural Graduation Celebration(s) will consist of the following:
Inclusive of all Affinity Groups
Saturday, May 20, 2023
9:30-11:30am (doors open at 8:30am)
At present, we are planning a singularly combined Multicultural Graduation Celebration. If this initial cultural celebration reaches capacity, then we will add a secondary Multicultural Graduation Celebration. If this were to occur, we would inform everyone of this decision.
Formal sign-up will be done via Campus Labs. Every student who wishes to participate is asked to submit a 30-word statement with the following prompt: What do you want to express to those who have supported you in your academic journey? You can begin to think about this question before you register on Campus Labs.
Cultural Graduation Celebration Registration
The registration deadline for the Spring 2023 Multicultural Graduation Celebration is Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 5:00pm PT.
Graduation Sashes
The cultural graduation sashes can be purchased through the University of La Verne Campus Store. The sash options* students can purchase include the following:
- Black/Kente cultural sash
- Latinx/Recuerdo cultural sash
- Middle Eastern/Arabic cultural sash
- Multicultural/Unity in Diversity cultural sash
- Native American/Indigenous cultural sash
- Pacific Islander/Asian American cultural sash
- Rainbow/Lavender cultural sash
- Serape cultural sash (forthcoming)
At present, face masks are optional during the in-person cultural graduation celebration(s). At the time of the celebration, students will bring their own sash and while on stage, the sash bestower will bestow it on the participating student. Each student will in turn read to those present their 30-word statement of appreciation to those who have supported them in their academic journey. Each celebration becomes a personalized experience for the student, their family and friends.
Students wishing to participate in Spring 2023 must be cleared for graduation in Winter 2023 (January 2023) and/or Spring 2023. For the multicultural graduation celebrations, students will wear their cap and gown, but not their academic hood. The La Verne cultural sashes can be purchased through the Campus Store.
Photo Galleries
Click on the following Flickr links to view photos from previous cultural celebrations:
| May 2021 | Multicultural Graduation Celebration |
| January 2018 | Multicultural Graduation Celebration |
| May 2017 | Rainbow Grad |
| May 2017 | Pacific Islander/Asian American Grad |
| May 2017 | Latina/o Grad |
| May 2017 | Black/African American Grad |
| January 2017 | Multicultural Graduation Celebration |
For more information, please contact Dr. Daniel Loera, Director of Multicultural Affairs, or Alesha Knox, Associate Director of Multicultural Affairs & Black Student Services, or come by the Center for Multicultural Services located on the second floor of the Ludwick Center for Spirituality, Cultural Understanding, and Community Engagement.
* All sashes must be approved through the Commencement Office.