Congratulations to the Latina/o Studies undergraduate minors and graduates of the class of 2022!
On this festive weekend after two years of virtual commencement celebrations due to the pandemic, the Latina/o Studies, Latinx Student Success Office, and the Cornell Latino Alumni Association celebrated, in person, with families, students, faculty and staff the accomplishments of 17 undergraduates and graduates of the class of 2022. The celebration began with a welcome by Interim director, Sofia Villenas followed by presentation of minors. "Thank you for inspiring the program with your intellect, curiosity, and creativity, with your sense of hope and collective agency. I hope that you have been transformed as we, your professors and mentors have been transformed by you, by your passion in each of our classes. You have survived and are surviving a global pandemic."
We announced several awards and recognitions throughout the morning. Award for outstanding work in the Latina/o Studies undergraduate minor, community engagement and academic achievements, nominated by faculty, was given to Alexis Fintland and presented by Professor Maria Cristina Garcia; and Juliette Corazón presented the Latinx Student Success Office certificate of appreciation recognizing outstanding dedication and service to Cornell's Latinx student community to Cindy Mosqueda, Simon Velasquez, and Jessie Mancilla. Latina/o Studies student interns, Samantha Granja, Andrea Gomez, and Melissa Ruiz Hernandez were recognized for their years of dedicated support to LSP and LSSO; and as Juliette Corazón begins her phased retirement she was presented with a certificate of appreciation for her 18 years of service and commitment to Cornell's Latinx community.
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 shared their memories.
Our special guest, Cornell alum Eric Rosario ’91, Senior Development Officer, Alumni Affairs and Development in the College of Arts and Sciences spoke to the class of 2022 via a message read my Sofia Villenas.
As we closed the program, a video message to the class of 2022 from Cornell's Diversity Alumni Programs was shared congratulating graduates and to welcome them to the alumni community.
"Bienvenidos a la familia de graduad@s de Cornell! As the President of CLAA, it makes me so happy that we get to welcome another wonderful group into our strong and diverse familia. This class is extra special because our board has gotten to hear your voices and learn from you about what your dreams and passions are, and what it’s like to be Latino/a/x at Cornell. As you return to your communities and make new communities, remember to reach back and build a path for those coming behind you. We can’t wait to have you come to our regional events. Don’t forget DAP reunion is 2024 and we hope to see you there if not before. Un abrazo fuerte!" Calie Santana '98, President, Cornell Latino Alumni Association (CLAA)
As is customarily declared at commencement ceremonies, welcome to the Latinx Studies community of scholars. Remember to live out your life with the expectation that your best days will always be ahead of you and keep in touch with us as you move forward into exciting futures.
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