2009 Asian and Pacific Islander Graduation (APIG)

Dear Graduate,

CONGRATULATIONS!  You have finally made it through UCLA and now it is time to celebrate!  All these years of hard work and countless hours of studying will finally pay off as you walk down that aisle and hold that diploma in your hands.  Graduation is a momentous occasion, and we would like to cordially invite you to participate in the 2009 Asian and Pacific Islander Graduation (APIG).

APIG is one of the few student-initiated graduations at UCLA. The Asian Pacific Coalition (APC) of UCLA has been sponsoring APIG since 1983.  This year will mark the 26th annual year of this long-running and special event.  APIG is open to all students, undergraduate and graduate, with all majors and minors, and draws an incredibly diverse audience every year.  APIG strives to enrich and inform not only the UCLA Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community, but also outside communities by allowing the graduates to celebrate their unique cultures and academic achievements.

This year’s theme, "Inspired Dreams, Empowered Communities", commemorates the hard work and dedication that our graduates demonstrated to their peers and communities throughout their academic career at UCLA.  Each graduate, through various means including but not limited to community and student organizing, community service, participation in campaigns and campus events, and tutoring and peer counseling, has inspired as well as empowered countless other students and community members.  As our graduates leave here for their future endeavors, they leave behind newly inspired dreams among those they have enlivened and empowered communities that have been made greater through continual support and nurturing.  Thus, through this year's APIG, we hope to celebrate the wonderful achievements that you as a graduate have accomplished, and to galvanize future graduates to inspire and empower others as well.

APIG is a free community event open to any graduating student.  This year’s APIG will take place on Sunday, June 14, 2009, in Perloff Quad, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM.  The program will consist of a faculty speaker, a community speaker, a student speaker, cultural performances, and a commencement ceremony.  Upon receiving their diplomas, graduates will have a brief opportunity to give a "shout-out" to their friends and family.  Graduates have the option of wearing a traditional graduation cap and gown or expressing themselves through their ethnic and cultural attire.  Each graduate will also receive a free 2009 APIG T-shirt.  There is no limit to the number of guests each graduate can bring.  So take advantage of this unique opportunity and share it with all your friends and family!

To register, please fill out the form at www.apcla.org/apig

Registration is due May 29, 2009 by 5PM.

For more information, please contact Anette Norona at anette.norona@gmail.com

As a graduating senior, this is your moment to shine.  We hope to see you in June!

Sincerely,
APIG 2009 Committee