NevadaToday

Cultural Graduate Celebrations foster community and complement commencement

The 2018 African Diaspora, American Indian & Alaska Native, Asian American & Pacific Islander, Latinx and Lavender Graduate Celebrations were well attended

Impact & student success | May 24, 2018

Graduates and faculty members gathered at the American Indian & Alaskan Native Graduate Celebration

Graduates and faculty members gathered at the 2018 American Indian & Alaskan Native Graduate Celebration

Cultural Graduate Celebrations foster community and complement commencement

The 2018 African Diaspora, American Indian & Alaska Native, Asian American & Pacific Islander, Latinx and Lavender Graduate Celebrations were well attended

Impact & student success | May 24, 2018

Graduates and faculty members gathered at the 2018 American Indian & Alaskan Native Graduate Celebration

This marks the eighth year the University of Nevada, Reno's Spring Commencement was complemented by five Cultural Graduate Celebrations, organzied by The Center, Every Student. Every Story. These celebrations bring together students, friends, family and faculty to recognize the achievements of Class of 2018 graduates from across disciplines.

African Diaspora Graduate Celebration

Master of Ceremonies Daniel Valle introduced Fred Holman, who gave the University welcome address at the celebration. Kira McGlothen sang the Black National Anthem, which was followed by an invocation by Pastor DeSean Horne. The student address was given by Elda Solomon. Artist, scholar and humanities lecturer L. Martina Young delivered the keynote address. Rita Laden, Araceli Martinez and Jody Lykes presented graduates with stoles.

A smiling graduate at the African Diaspora Graduate Celebration

Two graduates smiling at the African Diaspora Graduate Celebration

Proud students gathered at the African Diaspora Graduate Celebration

A smiling graduate at the African Diaspora Graduate Celebration with friends

Graduates joining hands at the African Diaspora Graduate Celebration

American Indian & Alaska Native Graduate Celebration

Saundra Mitrovich was Master of Ceremonies for the celebration and led everyone in prayer and a flag song. Welcoming and congratulating students, Araceli Martinez came next, followed by University President Marc Johnson, who also gave his congratulations. Native Alumni President Stephanie Wyatt introduced keynote speaker Michaun Eben, who was followed by student speakers Alicia Reyes and Helen Fillmore. Fredina Drye-Romero and the Williams Family were honored as the Community and Family Partners of the Year, respectively.

A graduate with faculty members at the American Indian & Alaskan Native Graduate Celebration

Two happy graduates at the American Indian & Alaskan Native Graduate Celebration

Smiling graduates holding a certificate and chalk boards at the American Indian & Alaskan Native Graduate Celebration

A smiling graduate with family members at the American Indian & Alaskan Native Graduate Celebration

Graduates and faculty on stage at the American Indian & Alaskan Native Graduate Celebration

A graduate being honored at the American Indian & Alaskan Native Graduate Celebration

Asian American and Pacific Islander Graduate Celebration

Master of Ceremonies Derek T. Furukawa introduced Araceli Martinez, who welcomed students and guests for The Center. Provost Kevin Carmen congratulated graduates before turning things over to keynote speaker Ryan Tung. Student speakers Patrick Gomez and Megan Du followed.

Two happy graduates outside the Asian American & Pacific Islander Graduate Celebration

Graduates laughing and hugging at the Asian American & Pacific Islander Graduate Celebration

Graduates representing Greek Life at the Asian American & Pacific Islander Graduate Celebration

Smiling graduates at the Asian American & Pacific Islander Graduate Celebration

Graduates having fun at the Asian American & Pacific Islander Graduate Celebration

A graduate's cap reads "Pau kapali hala ka lu'ulu'u kaumaha" at the Asian American & Pacific Islander Graduate Celebration

Latinx Graduate Celebration

Jafeth Sanchez was Master of Ceremonies for the celebration and introduced Araceli Martinez of The Center and Lorraine Benuto of the Latino Research Center, who welcomed and congratulated students in Spanish and English respectively. Next, Provost Kevin Carmen congratulated graduates before keynote speaker Liza Mazzula gave her address and presented the La Promesa Award. New Latinx faculty were introduced, additional awards were presented, Ignacio Montoya presented stoles, Jahahi Mazariego presented scrolls and Gabriela Ortiz-Flores led the final handshake.

Graduates posing at the Latinx Graduate Celebration

Graduates holding up their caps outside the Latinx Graduate Celebration

Graduates with a variety of honors around their necks outside the Latinx Graduate Celebration

Graduates looking over the balcony outside the Latinx Graduate Celebration

Graduates show off decorated caps outside the Latinx Graduate Celebration, with the cap in the foreground reading "Mi familia, los que hacen que todo valga la pena"

Lavender Graduate Celebration

Araceli Martinez welcomed and congratulated graduates, introducing Provost Kevin Carmen, who did the same and introduced Geoff Green. Alumna and keynote speaker Ana Navarro spoke about creating community. DePaul Vera was the student speaker for the celebration. For the awards processional, Kyle Jackson read the names, Emily Hobson presented Lavender cords and Bernadettte Hinojos presented scrolls.