By Mark Muckenfuss

CSU Monterey Bay is hosting nine Stole Ceremonies over the course of three weeks. 

The ceremonies highlight the accomplishments and experiences of CSUMB graduates from historically underrepresented communities: Asian-Pacific Islander-Desi affinity; Black/African heritage; veterans; Chicanx/Latinx; disabled; students with children; Native American; LGBTQ+/rainbow; and undocumented students.

“They’re tailored to the communities we’re serving,” said Rudy Medina, director of the Otter Cross Cultural Center, which oversees the events. “The underlying theme is the communities represented have not traditionally had access to higher education.”

Medina said that even for a group such as the Chicanx/Latinx group, which represents half of the student population at CSUMB, the focus of a Stole Ceremony is important. 

“We might have a majority of Latinx students with just the demographics of California,” he said. “But I think the population is still one that has been historically marginalized. They’re often first-generation students and have overcome hardships to achieve their degrees.”

The ceremonies can feature keynote speakers, performances, and cultural celebrations separate from CSUMB’s Commencement. Participation is free, and graduates may attend each ceremony they identify with, although students had to register by April 9. 

Formerly known as Affinity Graduations, the events award stoles and certificates for participating graduates. Graduates should note that registering for Commencement does not automatically register them for the Stole Ceremonies, nor does registering for the Stole Ceremonies automatically register them for Commencement.

This year’s schedule is as follows:

• Rainbow Stole Ceremony, 11 a.m., May 6
• Veteran Stole Ceremony, 5 p.m., May 6
• Undocu-Otter Stole Ceremony, 11 a.m., May 7
• Students with Disabilities Stole Ceremony, 6 p.m., May 12
• APIDA Stole Ceremony, 11 a.m., May 13
• Native American Stole Ceremony, 11 a.m., May 14
• Family-Friendly Stole Ceremony, 5 p.m., May 14
• Chicanx/Latinx Stole Ceremony, 6 p.m., May 15
• Black/African Heritage Stole Ceremony, 6 p.m., May 19

All ceremonies will be held in the Otter Student Union except for the Chicanx/Latinx ceremony, which will be at the Monterey Conference Center, 1 Portola Plaza, Monterey. 

For more information, see the Stole Ceremonies web page.