New Event Celebrates Hispanic-Latino Graduates
The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in collaboration with the Hispanic-Latino Association for students and the Latinx Faculty and Staff Association sponsored the first Hispanic-Latino Student Graduation Celebración on May 6.
View the video.
Carina Villarreal, a 2020 and 2022 UA graduate and past president of HLA, said the event was “something I dreamed of since my involvement began, and I’m glad to see it come to fruition.”
Dr. Jaime Garza, president of the Latinx Faculty and Staff Association, gave words of inspiration to graduating seniors and other students in attendance. Garza, whose parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico, said almost 50% of all Hispanic-Latino college students are first generation.
“There’s always going to be firsts for everything. This is the first HLA graduation….This is a scary step and you don’t what the future holds for you, but you’ve always got a home at the Capstone. We are here for you. This is where Legends Are Made, and you guys are the next generation of legends.”
UA Provost Jim Dalton welcomes students and their families.
Marcella Martinez, president of the Hispanic-Latino Association, welcomes family and friends.
Carina Villarreal, a 2020 and 2022 graduate and past president of HLA, gives the charge to remaining Hispanic-Latino students.
Juan “Caesar” Ramirez, a May 2022 graduate and member of the Hispanic-Latino Association, gives student reflections.
Chad Tindol, UA chief administrative officer, notes the increase in Hispanic-Latino students attending UA.
Dr. Jaime Garza, president of the Latinx Faculty and Staff Association, shares words of inspiration for graduating seniors.
Members of the Hispanic-Latino Association for students cheered on graduating seniors.
Latinx Faculty and Staff Association officers Yunuen Gómez-Ocampo and Angel Narvaez-Lugo participated in the event.
Dr. Jaime Garza places a special cord on a graduating student.
The event was filled with family photos, fun and food.
Graduate Juan “Caesar” Ramirez noted when students arrive at UA they need to find their own family, and HLA provided that for him.
Dr. G. Christine Taylor, vice president and associate provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, said her division was honored to bring this event to the campus.
