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 yearβs 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.
2026 Affinity Celebrations
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π 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, yasmine.wyatt@csuci.edu |
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π Native American/Indigenous Graduates Ceremony Friday, May 22 12 PM - 2 PM Petit Salon |
The ceremony honoring the Native American/Indigenous Graduates of CSU Channel Islands is voluntary and is open to all graduating students who identify as Native American, Indigenous American, and/or an Indigenous Persons from around the world now residing on Turtle Island (North and South America). This event will include dinner, dancing, singing, community building, and a blanket ceremony honoring Native & Indigenous American graduating students from CSUCI. 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, ariel.vaughn@csuci.edu |
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π Lavender Stoling Ceremony π³οΈβπ
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In this ceremony, all graduating LGBTQ+ 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: Gary Gordon, gardygordon@csuci.edu |
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π SΓ Se Pudo β Chicana/o Latina/o Celebration Friday, May 22 6 PM - 8 PM North Quad
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This event is a celebration for Chicana/o Latina/o graduating seniors. The goal is to acknowledge students and their families' support during the educational journey. It is open to all students; however, the event is bilingual and reflects the cultural values of the Raza community. At the event, students will receive recognition alongside two guests (family/supporters). For more information, contact: CHILFASA
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π AAPI (Asian American & Pacific Islander) Stoling Ceremony Thursday, May 21 6 PM - 8 PM Grand Salon
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The AAPI Stoling Ceremony is voluntary and is open to all graduating students who identify as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander (AANHPI)! 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 AANHPI cuisines. For more information, contact: Kevin Hayakawa, kevin.hayakawa@csuci.edu and/or Caryl Ann Becerra, carylann.becerra@csuci.edu |
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ποΈ Veterans Medallion Ceremony Wednesday, May 20 3 PM - 5 PM Dullam Courtyard
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This distinguished event acknowledges and celebrates the accomplishments of CI graduating student veterans and military-connected family members. For more information, contact: Jason Pillado, Jason.pillado@csuci.edu |