Affinity celebrations are events that take place at the end of the year to celebrate specific groups of graduating students in addition to Commencement. Affinity celebrations are organized by various areas and organizations around campus reflecting the rich diversity, cultures, and values of the university and our students. Please see below to indicate your interest in participating in this year’s affinity celebrations that will be scheduled in the three days prior to Commencement. Organizers of each event will follow up with more information about the specific celebration so graduates and their families can make travel arrangements, if necessary.
Please note that these events are by invitation or registration only, and guests should not plan to attend without prior approval. Individuals interested in participating should contact the listed coordinator for each affinity celebration for details regarding eligibility, registration, date, and time.
2026 Affinity Celebrations
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Black Student Stoling Ceremony |
This special event recognizes students along with their family and friends to mark the culmination of their student experience. As part of the ceremony, graduates will receive a traditional Kente cloth stole/sash which may be worn during the campus' Commencement celebration. For more information, contact Yasmine Wyatt. |
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Native American/Indigenous Graduates Ceremony Friday, May 22 12 PM - 2 PM Petit Salon |
This celebration will include dinner, dancing, singing, community building, and a blanket ceremony honoring Native & Indigenous American culture. Friends, family, and community members are encouraged to join in celebrating the extraordinary journey of these students and their amazing accomplishments. For more information, contact Ariel Vaughn. |
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Lavender Stoling Ceremony Wednesday, May 20 6 PM - 8 PM Petit Salon |
In this ceremony honoring LGBTQ+ identity, graduating students are invited to recognize the individual(s) that supported them through their academic and personal journey, and to be recognized for all they have achieved and contributed to the campus community. For more information, contact Dr. Gary Gordon. |
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Sí Se Pudo – Chicana/o Latina/o Celebration Friday, May 22 6 PM - 8 PM North Quad |
This event acknowledges students and their families' support during the educational journey. This event is bilingual (English and Spanish) and reflects the cultural values of the Raza community, it is open to all students. At the event, students will receive recognition alongside two guests (family/supporters). For more information, contact CHILFASA |
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AAPI (Asian American & Pacific Islander) Stoling Ceremony 6 PM - 8 PM Grand Salon
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During the celebration, graduates will receive a stole designed by the AAPI Student Ambassadors. Friends, family, and community members are welcome to join in celebrating the academic achievements of their graduate.This event will include light refreshments highlighting AAPI cuisines. For more information, contact Kevin Hayakawa or Caryl Ann Becerra. |
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Veterans Medallion Ceremony Wednesday, May 20 3 PM - 5 PM Dullam Courtyard |
This distinguished event acknowledges and celebrates the accomplishments of CI graduating student veterans and military-connected family members. For more information, contact Jason Pillado. |
All Affinity Celebrations are voluntary and open to all graduating students who would like to participate, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, CSU Channel Islands provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. CSU Channel Islands complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.
CSU Channel Islands is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At CSU Channel Islands, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.