American Indian Convocation at ASU

by: Taylor Notah

The American Indian Convocation is a beautiful commencement that honors Native student culture and achievement every May and December. In charge of this celebration is the American Indian Student Support Services (AISSS) office which works to ensure that Native customs are incorporated into the graduation ceremony.

According to the Executive Director of AISSS Michael Begaye, the American Indian Convocation was first implemented by Cal Seciwa (Zuni), the first director of the American Indian Institute (now AISSS) from 1989 to 2006.

“Cal Seciwa started it. We (showcase) drum music for the procession, an honor song, and they sing for the recession when they march out,” said Begaye.

Held in ASU Gammage, the convocation honors the connection to local tribes by displaying the flags of Arizona’s 22 tribal nations and the tribal flags of the graduating students.

During the ceremony, students receive stunning stoles made from Pendleton blankets in front of family and friends who have supported them on their college journey.

“In the spirit of tradition, AISSS honor our students’ achievements by presenting a Pendleton stole, a commemorative gift to signify their success,” explained Laura GonzalesMacias, associate director of AISSS. “Historically, blankets have been bestowed on Indigenous people as a way to commemorate their leadership, activism and heroism.”

The Pendleton stoles signify courage, strength, determination and bravery, according to Gonzales-

Macias. Each stole is draped by faculty and tribal leadership as staff, family, alumni and friends witness and celebrate.

For 10 years, seamstress Evelyn Begay has created 150 to 175 stoles for the spring convocation and 100 to 130 for the fall. Making stoles for the graduates has special meaning as four of Begay’s children have graduated from ASU, and she currently has a grandson attending ASU. Sewing all of the stoles takes Begay a month and a half and she shares that she is pleased knowing that Native graduates will receive one.

“For me, it’s very gratifying because I know it’s going to students who will appreciate it,” Begay said. “The stoles are a part of their achievement for taking the time and the effort into completing their education.”

The black-trimmed stoles are presented to doctoral graduates, the gold-trimmed stoles for masters, and the maroon-trimmed stoles for undergraduates. (Photo courtesy of AISSS.) (Right:) Seamstress Evelyn Begay of Sanders, Arizona. (Photo courtesy of Ronan Spottsville.)

3 steps to apply for graduation

oneStart by knowing which semester you will be graduating

The process of graduation begins when students view their Degree Audit Report (for undergraduates) or their Plan of Study (for graduates) to ensure that requirements are met and to project which semester they anticipate graduating. Review your report often.

Quick Tips:

twoApplying for graduation threeChoose the ceremony for you

Each semester has ASU hosts a number of graduation deadlines to apply: Oct. 1 for ceremonies both in the spring and fall, so

Fall, Feb. 15 for Spring, and choosing the ceremony or ceremonies for you

June 15 for Summer. There is can helpkeep youorganized. a $50 application fee and University commencement. No RSVP students can apply online, necessary for guests; online viewing of the in-person, at the University ceremony is also available.

Registrar Services or by mail. College convocations. Tickets may be

Be aware there is a $35 fee limited for guests. if you apply late and a $25 American Indian Convocation. Tickets are fee for each additional on a first-come, first-served basis and are concurrent degree. distributed at Gammage Auditorium two hours prior to event. For more information on tickets, visit the AISSS location on all four campuses.

Cost

Students can purchase their graduation regalia at the ASU bookstore online for a price range from $62-104 (depending on graduate packages), or order it on discount at grad fairs. AISSS also loans out a limited number of caps and gowns for undergraduates, graduates and masters students. Graduating Sun Devils can also donate their graduation regalia to AISSS for future graduates.

Flaunt your flair

Also available through pre-order at AISSS are buttons of the convocation seal or a photo of the graduate for families to wear.

Special Assistance

For elders and/or attendees who need special accommodations, requests for assistance can be made at the registration table. These loved ones will be seated closer to the stage as possible. Accessibility for your loved ones is important!

Best seat in the house

The earlier that people get tickets on the day of convocation, the closer guest seats will be to the stage. Guests should arrive at the ticket booth as a group if they wish to sit together.

Clear bag policy

Purses and bags are not allowed in Gammage Auditorium for the convocation. Clear bags and bags displaying the convocation seal are available at AISSS in exchange for donations.