36th Annual Black Commencement Ceremony
Friday, June 14 | 4-8 p.m. | Spanos Theatre
The Black Commencement Ceremony recognizes the culture and accomplishments of the Cal Poly students of the Black and African Diaspora graduating class. This commencement is designed to unite families, friends, and students to celebrate the traditional rite of passage by bridging our culture and achievements. Distinguished speakers are chosen every year to provide insightful words of wisdom and encouragement to empower students in all of their future endeavors. Students and their guests will enjoy live performances, a sit-down dinner, and the tradition of wearing Kente cloth stoles hand-woven from Africa, all add to the vibrancy.
Ceremony RSVP
Kindly submit your RSVP to let us know if you intend to participate in the pre-ceremonial dinner, the ceremony, or if you prefer to only pick up the cultural stole. If we don't receive your RSVP, we will assume that you solely wish to receive the stole and won't include you in the ceremony. Please ensure to submit your RSVP indicating your preferences for the pre-ceremonial dinner, ceremony, or the stole pickup.
Cultural Stoles
You will receive 2 stoles during Black Commencement. One is from the Black Academic Excellence Center and the second is a traditional Kente cloth stole.
Ceremony Program
It is Cal Poly's Black Commencement tradition to highlight each of our graduates in the Commencement program book.
If you would like to be included in the ceremony program, submit a biography and photo.
- Your biography can include information about your overall Cal Poly experience (e.g., favorite memories, campus involvement, academic achievements, personal accomplishments, expressions of gratitude/recognition, and acknowledgments). You can submit your bio in your preferred language.
- Your photo should be a personal headshot, please submit it to baec@calpoly.edu for inclusion in the program.
- Your photo should be named as follows: Lastname_Firstname.jpg
- Please keep the content appropriate for our ceremony audience.
Schedule of Events
4:00 p.m. Pre-Ceremony Reception: Food (Sequoia Lawn)
5:30 p.m. Ceremony Begins (Spanos Theatre)
5:45 p.m. Procession of Graduates
6:00 p.m. Welcome
6:10 p.m. Invocation – Prayer
6:20 p.m. Black National Anthem
6:30 p.m. Words of Wisdom
6:45 p.m. Keynote Speaker
7:00 p.m. Presentation of Graduates and Kente Stoles
7:30 p.m. Rites of Passage Speaker
7:45 p.m. Tribute to Graduates
8:00 p.m. Closing Remarks
Volunteers Needed
We are in need of volunteers to help this event run smoothly. If you are able to volunteer, please fill out our volunteer sign-up form. Volunteers will receive a $25 gift card to the bookstore.
As planning continues, we will send email updates. If you have any questions, send email to csholars@calpoly.edu.
