Graduation 2024
Our ceremony will take place at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at Weingart Stadium, East Los Angeles College, Monterey Park campus.
Theme: "We came seeking knowledge. We leave bearing wisdom."
Student Speaker Auditions
Auditions are open only to East Los Angeles College students graduating and participating in the 2024 graduation ceremony on June 4. Auditions will be held in Building F5, Room 209, on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 12:00pm.
Prepare a 3-minute original speech based on this year's graduation theme: "We came seeking knowledge. We leave bearing wisdom." Please bring 7 copies of your speech to the audition. The deadline to sign up to audition is Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
Before the Ceremony
RSVP to participate and walk in the ceremony.
Students can apply for graduation by making a video or telephone appointment to meet with a counselor. During the appointment, the counselor will evaluate all student records and determine if all necessary requirements have been, or are in the process of being, met.
Students should have a graduation petition processed in the semester in which their last required coursework is being completed. If the student’s last required coursework will be taken in the summer term, students may participate in the college’s graduation ceremony but will not be able to apply for graduation until the summer term. The counseling department processes graduation petitions in all terms except for the winter intersession.
The deadline to submit a spring graduation petition is June 3, 2024.
Note: Submit before April 19, 2024 (extended deadline) for your name to be included in the printed program at the graduation ceremony.
ELAC College Store will be selling Cap & Gown packages starting March 25, 2024. Students may buy in person or online.
You may invite as many guests as you would like. Seating is available on a first-come first-serve basis and is limited to stadium capacity. We cannot guarantee the availability of seats. No tickets are required.
Your guests should refrain from using any air horns, noise makers, or whistles when your name is called. We would like guests to hear everyone’s name.
Balloons are allowed. If any of your guests are bringing balloons, please let them know they will need to sit at the top of the bleachers to not block anyone’s view.
Day of the Ceremony
June 4, 2024
Travel to the ELAC campus at 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, CA 91754. Parking is free. All parking lots will be available to graduates and guests.
10:00am - Line up behind E7. Rehearsal is strongly recommended for all graduates (NOT MANDATORY). You do not need to wear your regalia during rehearsal. Rehearsal lasts about an hour and a half. Medals will only be handed out during rehearsal.
(Show up early for breakfast: available starting at 8:00am)
Graduation Regalia: All graduates must wear a black cap and gown. The ELAC Bookstore closes at 7:15 p.m. for those who need to purchase graduation regalia.
Tassel Placement: Place your tassel on the right side then listen for instructions from the college president. Prior to going up and walking across the stage, the president will ask all graduates to switch tassels to the left.
Cap Decoration: If you would like to decorate your cap, you can do so.
Shoes: Wear comfortable shoes. No stilettos! Please wear either wedges or shoes with wide heels to avoid falling.
Honor Cords: Stop by the Student Activities Office (F5-212) to pick up your dean’s/president’s honor cord. Please bring a copy of your unofficial transcripts to show proof.
Medals: Medals will only be handed out during rehearsal (10:00 am).
3:00pm - Collect a name card in the E3 Quad. If your name is not in the program, you will not have a pre-printed card. Instead, you will be given a blank card to complete on location. After picking up your name card, start forming two straight lines behind the E7 building. There is no alphabetical order so stand behind the last person in line and your name will be read off according to where you are in the line.
5:00pm – The ceremony begins. Follow directions from Marshalls to Weingart stadium.
Only graduating candidates are permitted in the graduates’ seating area, on stage during the diploma presentation, and in the academic procession. Children should be seated with family members on the stands and not allowed on graduates' seating area. If you have small children, please arrange for childcare. Service dogs are permitted on stage. However, emotional support animals will not be allowed on stage with you.
Livestream
Our ceremony will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.
By attending or participating in this event, you are giving your consent to be videotaped and you agree to allow the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD)/ East Los Angeles College (ELAC) and other educational institutions to use your likeness in advertisements and promotions that support education without change or reservation.
Dear Husky,
You have reached a significant milestone in completing your studies here at East Los Angeles College (ELAC), and for that, let me congratulate you! The hard work you’ve put in to get to this point is an excellent investment in yourself and your future.
Today, we honor your achievements during your time at ELAC. Your years here have been marked by intellectual exploration, deep immersion in your chosen field, and extraordinary hard work, all undertaken during a time of great challenge.
Throughout your time at East Los Angeles College, you have acquired new knowledge and skills, gained invaluable experiences, and have grown as scholars. Even when faced with challenges, you remained committed to completing your education. I know that the support from your families, loved ones, and friends contributed to your success. Savor this moment with them as you lay the foundation for significant achievements in the years ahead.
As you embark upon the next phase of your journey, continuing your education or beginning your career, I urge you to apply your knowledge and skills with compassion and integrity. You are well prepared to be leaders; we expect no less from you.
Our campus serves students with empathy, and for many who enroll here, it is their second chance. Our faculty, staff, and administrators work together to turn their lives around and help them reach their academic goals. This is who we are, and it is in the fabric of our college to serve students equitably.
On behalf of everyone at East Los Angeles College, we congratulate you and are honored to share this special milestone with you. As you succeed in whatever path you take, remember to find ways to help your community so that those who come after you may have the same opportunity to succeed. We are so proud of you and celebrate you as you embark on the next stage of your journey.
With respect and admiration,
Dr. Alberto J. Román
President
East Los Angeles College