Pre-Commencement ceremonies honored the journey and supporters of each graduate

By Caitlin Fillmore

Vibrant affinity ceremonies honored the commencement journeys of Cal State Monterey Bay students in recent days, creating a welcoming and festive environment for the graduates and their family members and friends. It was a chance for communities to come together to recognize the accomplishments of one another. 

CSUMB’s affinity ceremonies are just part of the celebratory events that lead up to Commencement. The accomplishments of students are also marked by awards events and the GradFest that kicks things off in mid-April.

“Having a place where our authentic identity is celebrated is wildly important,” said Marissa Torres, a humanities and communication major who participated in the Rainbow Affinity Ceremony. 

CSUMB offered 10 affinity ceremonies for graduates, including Asian Pacific Islander Desi American , Black/African heritage, Latiné, Native American, Jewish, students with disabilities, rainbow (LGBTQ+), undocumented students, veterans, and a family-friendly ceremony for students with children.

“We are living through a unique moment in our history,” said CSUMB’s President  Vanya Quiñones in her remarks during the Latiné event. “Your resilience has made Cal State Monterey Bay a more inclusive and welcoming place — not just for yourselves, but for every future Otter who will call this campus home.”

The Rainbow Affinity Ceremony was held on May 2. Rainbow lights and a variety of pride flags created a colorful atmosphere. Students received rainbow stoles to wear at graduation and got a chance to share short messages of joy and gratitude to the crowd at the Otter Student Union.

Watsonville’s Jorge Guillen, who performs as the drag artist Xinistra, gave a keynote address, encouraging students to “use their education as a tool, their identity as a beacon and their voice for change.” 

Student keynote speakers urged their fellow students to continue to advocate for LGBTQ+ and other causes, on the CSUMB campus and beyond.

“Turn to each other, support each other,” said Cali Guisto, a cinematic arts and technology major and student keynote speaker. “Lay the groundwork for those going after you. It’s our duty to cultivate the future.”

The Latiné Affinity Ceremony was held on May 9 at Rabobank Stadium in Salinas. This outdoor ceremony is the largest of the 10, with nearly 400 participating graduates and thousands of supporters in the audience.

In addition to celebrating student accomplishments, the affinity ceremonies are an opportunity for a student’s entire community to see them cross the stage. Tickets for the 29th annual CSUMB Commencement on May 17 are limited, so many family members and friends are unable to attend. 

“In Hispanic culture, the whole family is important,” said Vanessa Perez, a teacher from Gonzales, watching her sister Amy honored. Perez’s family occupied a full row of the bleachers, waving cut-outs of Amy on popsicle sticks.

Family was a theme of the Latiné ceremony, with speakers referencing the sacrifices involved in completing a higher education journey.

“Your education is woven with the dreams of others,” said Yosimar Reyes, a Bay Area-based poet laureate and keynote speaker. 

Student keynote speaker Nelsy Montes-Romero shared the emotional story of her struggles during an eight-year path to graduation.

“We broke generational barriers,” Montes-Romero said. “We are the bridge to what’s possible and the beginning of what’s next.”

Some students, such as Luis Saldana-Ruiz, a first-generation Master of Social Work, were simply happy that the day had finally arrived after years of work.

“This has been a long time coming,” Saldana Ruiz said. 

The affinity ceremonies concluded the day before Commencement with the Shalom Otters event, celebrating Jewish students. 

Pre-Commencement events also included an honors luncheon where winners of the President's, Provost’s and Deans' awards, along with students winning outstanding awards, received recognition. There were also numerous capstone project events, where graduates were able to showcase their year-long academic work. 

Photos from the events can be found here.