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For many students with historically underrepresented identities, graduating from Saint Mary’s signifies not only a personal accomplishment, but success for their entire community. This year, the Intercultural Center recognized the importance of this milestone with its four Cultural Graduate Celebrations: the 15th annual Lavender Graduate Celebration for LGBTQ+ graduates and their allies, the 20th annual Asian Pacific Islander Graduate Celebration, the 26th annual Black Graduate Celebration, and the 24th annual Latinx Graduate Celebration. 

At these intimate and personalized ceremonies, graduating students have the opportunity to speak and thank those who supported them along their journey; select friends or family members to present them with their Cultural Graduate stole; and vote on staff, faculty, and student leadership awards. 

“Cultural Graduate celebrations at SMC are not only important but also impactful,” said API Cultural Graduate keynote speaker and Class of 2022 Valedictorian Brandon Dela Cruz ’22. “Recognizing that we all come from different walks of life is something beautiful in itself, and having these celebrations truly gives so many individuals an opportunity to celebrate their own unique backgrounds and lived experiences.”