For many FC graduates, commencement is not the only ceremony marking the end of their college journey.
This spring, campus programs, including Grads2Be and the LGBTQIA2S+ Resource Program, have hosted and/or plan to host cultural graduation celebrations designed to recognize students through community, identity and shared experiences.
FC’s mission emphasizes equity and inclusion, values reflected this spring through multiple cultural graduation celebrations honoring graduating students across campus communities.
The Grads to Be program kicked off the start of these celebrations with their second annual Monarch Graduation on May 8. Aimed toward immigration-impacted students, the ceremony included speakers from UndocuScholars LLC, according to an Instagram post by Grads2Be.
UndocuScholars LLC is an organization led by undocumented anthropologists committed to aiding undocumented students on their academic journey.
Marking its third annual occurrence, the FC LGBTQIA2S+ Resource program hosted Lavender Graduation on May 13. Graduating attendees received a recognition certificate and a lavender cord. The event featured drag artist Natasha Hundreds as emcee, as well as guest speakers NOCCCD Chancellor Dr. Breland and FC President Dr. Olivo.
“Our first formal Lavender Graduation in Spring 2024 was very memorable, where our staff was finally able to pass out cords and stoles, with student and staff recognition awards selected by the graduating class,” said Ariel Gentalen, Special Projects Manager for FC’s LGBTQIA2S+ Resource Program. “Last year was our first drag performance with Natasha Hundreds, who lit up the space and was asked back this year to keep us fired up!”
To ensure the celebration was tailored to this year’s attendees, Gentalen met with the Queer Student Advisory committee to define details significant to the Spring 2026 graduating class.
Consulting student perspectives guarantees that the ceremony will feel representative of student interests and therefore meaningful, said Gentalen.
FC’s APIDA Amplified program will be hosting an APIDA Cultural Graduation to recognize the achievements of FC’s Asian Pacific Islander Desi American graduates on May 14. Graduating attendees will receive a commemorative stole & certificate. All guests will be provided with dinner and parking passes for the evening, according to an Instagram post by the program.
To reflect the diversity within APIDA communities, local APIDA-owned businesses have collaborated as caterers for the event, according to Camille Serrano, Special Projects and Communications Manager for APIDA Amplified Program.
Some students have shared with Serrano that they are more comfortable bringing their families to the APIDA Graduation due to its smaller scale and the opportunity to see guests who share a similar heritage.
“Being Asian Pacific American means living between worlds of honoring where you come from while creating where you are going. Your strength comes from carrying many histories at once. Success is not only about achievement,” said Serrano. “When you walk into rooms your ancestors never imagined possible, walk in fully as yourself. Not as an exception, but as proof of what is possible.”
FC’s Umoja Community program will host the third annual Black Recognition Ceremony on May 20 to recognize the academic success of graduating Black and African American students. The event is titled “Black Excellence 365: Legacy in motion,” according to an Instagram post by the program.
Those interested in attending the event can RSVP with Umoja. For questions regarding the Black Recognition Ceremony, contact the program by email at [email protected] or by phone at 714-992-7155.
FC will be hosting its first annual Latine Cultural Recognition Ceremony to honor the accomplishments of Latine students on May 22.
For questions about the Latine Cultural Recognition Ceremony, students can contact Jeanette Rodriguez at [email protected].
