Convocation and End of Year Events at Maricopa

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Maricopa's Constituency Groups are a unique organizational asset. They not only remind us of the rich diversity that exists within our employee groups, they also serve a very special function for our students and their families.

Each year, Maricopa's employees sponsor culturally relevant celebrations for students who have traditionally been under-represented in higher education. These programs promote cross-cultural understanding, enrich student learning, and connect one's personal and cultural identity with college success.

Students, family and friends honor the graduates' success in ways that are meaningful and symbolic. For the first generation college students, these events help their families recognize and celebrate the effort and success of their students. Younger siblings are motivated to pursue higher education and see Maricopa community colleges as viable institutions to realize their dream.

Students and their families from respective ethnic groups join together to celebrate student success. In doing so, these special convocations lend cultural relevance and add to the significance of graduation in powerful ways.  All members of Maricopa's community are invited to attend and support the graduates.  As institutions of higher learning, we have the obligation to model an appreciation of diversity for students and the community we serve.

This year the Constituency Groups will host five Convocations for Native American, Asian Pacific Islander, African/African American, Hispanic/Latino and Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning students.  

The specifics are listed below: