Latino Graduation Celebration premieres

by Melissa Lau
Features Editor

Once again the Institute of Multicultural Research and Campus Diversity has stepped forward to honor the accomplishments of minorities.

This year, the IMRCD will be hosting the first annual Latino Graduation Celebration at the University of La Verne.

The event will take place on Saturday, May 18, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Student Center Gym.

The IMRCD has been working in collaboration with the Latina/o /Chicana/o Staff and Faculty Association, the Latino Student Forum and the Latina/o Graduation celebration Committee to put this event forward.

Also, Director of Multicultural Affairs Daniel Loera and Cross Cultural Programs Director Keisha Bentley have been working side by side to organize this event.

This year's festivities will include guest speaker Nell Soto, a state senator from the 32nd senatorial district.

In addition Loera hopes to have indigenous dancers participate in a procession as well as a blessing.

Participants will receive a memory sash as well as a certificate.

Each participant will have written a small quote or saying that will be read aloud when the certificates are presented

The ceremony will be bilingual and there will be a small reception following the celebration.

Last year the IMRCD hosted the first annual African American Graduation Celebration.

It was at this point that Loera saw the need for something more.

"It was just obvious then that we needed to have that for the Latino community," he said.

So far about 80 individuals have signed up to participate.

Anyone interested should call the IMRCD as soon as possible to reserve tickets. Tickets are free but required.

For more information on tickets and participation, call Loera at extension 4253 or Bentley at extension 4397.