Congratulations to the Latina/o Studies undergraduate and graduate minors and graduates of the Class of 2021!
On this festive weekend the Latina/o Studies program hosted two events to celebrate its minors and the Class of 2021! The weekend began on Thursday, May 27, 2021 with a walk through event on the 4th floor of Rockefeller Hall to present its graduate and undergraduate minors with their stole and certificate.
The next day, on Friday, May 28, 2021 Latina/o Studies, Latinx Student Success Office, Latino Living Center, and the Cornell Latino Alumni Association joined together with families, students, faculty and staff for a, Latinx Virtual Commencement and Award Ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of 16 undergraduate minors, 2 graduate minors and graduates of the Class of 2021.
The virtual program opened with a welcome from Vilma Santiago-Irizarry, Latina/o Studies program director: "Now that you have successfully navigated an extraordinary year, we want to wish you the best and join you in celebrating this significant life transition. We know that your recent life experiences have not vanquished you: on the contrary, they have proven your mettle. For that, you are to be commended. We also hope that we have played a role in your lives and helped prepare you for your encounter with a still uncertain, but more optimistic world, the better for having shouldered these times with fortitude. We hope that we have imbued in you a passion for learning, tolerance, intellectual curiosity."
Latina/o Studies faculty and staff spoke about the many accomplishments of the minors and graduates who had worked with them over the years, and students and alums who were present also shared their comments, live and on chat.
We announced several awards and recognitions throughout the afternoon. Award for outstanding work in the the Latina/o Studies undergraduate minor, community engagement and academic achievements, nominated by faculty, was given to Tomás Daniel Chávez Reuning and presented by Professor Ella Diaz; and Juliette Corazón presented the Latinx Student Success Office certificate of appreciation recognizing outstanding dedication and service to Cornell's Latinx student community to Iván Solís Cruz.
Our special guest, Cornell alum Daniel Ocampo ‘09,'10, Vice President, Cornell Latino/a/x Alumni Association spoke to the class of 2021.
"CLAA is grateful to have the opportunity to participate in this beautiful virtual celebration honoring the Class of 2021. This year's graduates demonstrated extraordinary resilience overcoming the unprecedented circumstances of the last year. CLAA is inspired by the Class of 2021 and eagerly awaits the positive impact they will have within their families, organizations and communities. Cornell's Latino Alumni welcome the Class of 2021 to our global familia. Congratulations on this incredible milestone—we celebrate your continued success. Felicitaciones!" Daniel Ocampo ‘09,'10 Vice-President, CLAA
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