{"id":9292,"date":"2021-05-13T14:27:41","date_gmt":"2021-05-13T18:27:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/marymount.edu\/?p=9292"},"modified":"2021-08-03T22:41:37","modified_gmt":"2021-08-04T02:41:37","slug":"marymount-holds-first-ever-cultural-graduation-reception-in-celebration-of-diverse-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/marymount.edu\/blog\/marymount-holds-first-ever-cultural-graduation-reception-in-celebration-of-diverse-students\/","title":{"rendered":"MU holds first-ever Cultural Graduation Reception in celebration of diverse students"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The Dean of Students, Equity & Inclusion Office<\/a> at Marymount University hosted the institution\u2019s first-ever Cultural Graduation Reception on Thursday afternoon, offering an opportunity to acknowledge the accomplishments of first-generation students and Saints from underrepresented groups in an intimate and inclusive environment.<\/p>\n

The Class of 2021 cultural celebration, which was held virtually for both the undergraduate and graduate levels, included students from the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American, Arab, Black\/Pan-African and Chicanx\/Latinx communities. Saints were able to drop by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Center<\/a> throughout the day in small groups, and honored the cultural influences that have contributed to their academic success.<\/p>\n

\"Graduate
Graduate Anna Moon, center, receives her Cultural Graduation certificate alongside Dean Brooke Berry, right, and Associate Director Tait Brooks, left.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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\u201cThere were many moments during their journey when our graduates may have been fearful, hopeless and frustrated \u2013 afraid to be the first in their family to graduate from college, afraid to look and sound differently from their professors and classmates, afraid to be their authentic selves, afraid that they were not smart or talented enough, afraid to try and to fail,\u201d said Brooke Berry, Dean of Students, Equity & Inclusion at Marymount University. \u201cThough they may have been afraid, they confronted their fears and took advantage of the opportunity to actualize their dreams. They have exceeded expectations and defied the odds. Their strength and perseverance is inspiring and admirable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe acknowledge and honor their ancestors and their tribes of family and friends that supported our graduates along the way,\u201d added Tait Brooks, Associate Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Marymount University. \u201cWe hope our Saints revel in this moment, and celebrate their resilience, commitment and fortitude to triumph forward in prosperity, knowledge and wisdom.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Lisette
Lisette Benitez, center, celebrates becoming the first college graduate in her family alongside her mother and sister.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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The following 11 students took part in Marymount\u2019s inaugural Cultural Graduation Reception:
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