Affinity Ceremonies are a fond send-off for underrepresented students

Cal State Monterey Bay’s Affinity Ceremonies honor the accomplishments and experiences of graduates from historically underrepresented communities. 

They are not graduation ceremonies (that happens at Commencement on May 18), but are independently organized send-offs by various affinity groups for graduating students. They may include speakers, performances, cultural touchstones, refreshments, music and photo opportunities, and students receive decorative affiliate stoles to wear at Commencement. 

They mostly take place at the Otter Student Union (the Latiné Affinity Ceremony is at Rabobank Stadium in Salinas) and are open to the family, friends, staff, faculty, and supporters of CSUMB students. 

The schedule is as follows: 

• Rainbow Affinity Ceremony - 6 p.m. Friday, May 3 
• Latiné Affinity Ceremony - 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4 (at RaboBank Stadium, Salinas)
• Undocu-Otter Affinity Ceremony - 11 a.m. Sunday, May 5
• Veterans Affinity Ceremony - 6 p.m. Thursday, May 9
• Students with Disabilities Affinity Ceremony - 6 p.m. Friday, May 10
• Native American Affinity Ceremony - 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11
• Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi (APIDA) Affinity Ceremony - 5 p.m. Saturday, May 11
• Family Friendly Affinity Ceremony - 11 a.m. Sunday, May 12
• Black/African Heritage Affinity Ceremony - 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 14

Terilynn Bench Harris, director of the Student Disability and Accessibility Center, said the ceremony for students with disabilities is designed to be warm and inviting, with soft mood lighting, and student-centered. 

“Each graduate will have the opportunity to thank their supporters or express their feelings on graduating to the audience,” Harris said. “The students have selected Breakfast for Dinner as the themed meal.”

Margaret Keith, the inaugural director of Services for Students with Disabilities, will be presented a Lifetime Achievement Award for her work in disability education and advocacy. 

Anahi Alcibar is pursuing a master’s degree in social work and after graduation plans to work in the community for positive social change. She is also an undocumented student with DACA status, and sees attending the Undocu-Otter Affinity Ceremony as a validation as well as a celebration. 

“Being undocumented is an identity that someone can't see as they meet you,” Alcibar said. “Being able to celebrate with other undocumented students gives me a sense of hope and community. It makes it feel as though I am not the only one.” 

She went on to say that the affinity ceremony embraces undocumented students as a part of campus. And for her family: “It means that all the sacrifices of having to leave behind their family and all they had known are paying off.”

See the Otter Cross Cultural Center web page for videos, photos and more information about the Affinity Ceremonies.