On the days leading up to Commencement, four cultural graduate celebrations were held on campus recognizing the accomplishments of diverse Poets. Infused with their own cultural nuances and traditions, the events served to celebrate diversity and inclusivity. These celebrations included the Asian/ Pacific Islander Graduate Celebration, Black Student Union (BSU) Graduate Celebration, Latino Graduate Celebration, and the Lavender (LGBTQ+) Graduate Celebration.
Three of these events featured alumni keynote speakers including Cheryl Boone Isaacs ‘71, the immediate past president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and president and CEO of CBI Enterprises, Inc.; Greg Prieto ’05, assistant professor of sociology at the University of San Diego; and Hiroko Tatebe ’73, founder and executive director of the Global Organization for Leadership Diversity.
“Even though you’re leaving the structured cocoon of the schools you’ve been in since age five, you are prepared and capable of creating your own structure to rely on as you navigate your future,” Boone Isaacs told the BSU graduates. “There will be set backs along the way, [including] personal and work crises. Don’t give up your dream, never lose your purpose, and stay determined.”
Anthropology lecturer Teresa Delfín was the keynote speaker for the Lavender celebration.
These celebrations were co-organized by the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) and volunteers from various student groups.
“The history of cultural graduation celebrations stems from the 1960s and 70s, and the activism and cultural awareness of the time in higher education,” said Jennifer Guerra, director of the OEI. “In that era, when students of color entered predominately white colleges, it was difficult to find community and support. Today, the cultural graduate celebrations recognize not only the graduates, but also those who got them there. It’s a celebration for the whole family.”
Whittier has long been recognized for its diversity and inclusion, most recently ranked as a top college for Latino student outcomes by The Education Trust. Students of color constitute more than 65 percent of the student body, making Whittier one of the most diverse liberal arts colleges in the country. The OEI offers numerous opportunities for increasing cultural interactions and dialogue on campus, and supports all students in their educational goals.
See photos from all of these celebrations on Facebook:
Asian/ Pacific Islander Graduate Celebration
BSU Graduate Celebration
Latino Graduate Celebration
Lavender (LGBTQ+) Graduate Celebration
