The Dolores Huerta Graduation Ceremony highlights the completion of a high-education journey for many CSUDH students. Students can still register to attend  HERE. Photo Courtesy of Alfredo Benitez

By Evelyn Rodriguez, Staff Reporter

t is almost the time for graduation ceremonies all around the country and California State, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) is ready to show it.

CSUDH is hosting its 18th annual Dolores Huerta Graduation Celebration. The ceremony will be held on campus in the Torodome gymnasium on May 6th from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. The event is first come first serve with a maximum capacity of 300.

The event is a more intimate celebration for the immediate family members of the graduates. By no means is the celebration intended to replace commencement, but is encouraged for students with a Latinx background as the speakers will speak in English and Spanish.

Graduates who would like to participate in the ceremony had to register and reserve their spot. The ticket cost $40, which included four tickets (student + four guests) to enter the event, the sash for the graduate, a program and the entertainment. 

Unfortunately, no dinner will be served due to the COVID-19 restrictions but refreshments are in the works and possible packaged goods.

The entertainment is still being finalized, previously the event had Aztec dancers, Samba dancers, and Mambo dancers.

The ceremony is named after activist Dolores Huerta who made the “Si Se Puede” slogan famous among the Latinx community.

“She stood for something that can represent the graduation ceremony,” said Alfredo Benitez, Admissions and Recruitment Specialist for the office of Outreach and School Relations at CSUDH.

The theme for the annual celebration changes every year. This year Benitez selected the hummingbird, which he says is a sign of good luck. The committee then came up with the hashtag #EsTiempoDeVolar.

“Essentially this is your nest as a student here at Dominguez Hills and now that you have graduated it’s your time to fly,” said Benitez.

It’s a significant way of wishing luck upon the graduating class whether they are headed to graduate school or starting their professional career.

“I’ve been trying to make the posts very colorful and vibrant to show the students it’s a time for celebration and to honor their successes,” said Benitez.

Other intimate ceremonies are also being presented on campus like the Undocu grad celebration for undocumented students, the Douglass-Bethune Africana Graduation Celebration for students who identify as Black or African American, The Lavender Graduation Celebration for the students of the LGBTQIA+ community, and the Asian & Pacific Islander Graduation Celebration.

All the ceremonies will be taking place at the end of April and the beginning of May. If you would like to participate, want more information about these special events, or would like to volunteer for the event please visit the Special Graduation Celebrations web page.