College celebrates Asian Pacific Islander Desi American graduates with inaugural ceremony
Cerritos College hosted its inaugural Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA)
Graduation Celebration on May 1, making a historic moment as the college recognized
graduates of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi descent with a special ceremony. Twenty-two
graduates were honored with a distinctive stole from Cerritos College President/Superintendent
Dr. Jose Fierro.
Dr. Shin Liu, Cerritos College Trustee and advocate for cultural diversity, global awareness, and community education, extended heartfelt congratulations to the APIDA class of 2024. She emphasized the holistic value of education, transcending academic achievement, and highlighting personal growth and the pursuit of knowledge. “Education gives us the skills to navigate life’s complexities and opens doors to new opportunities. As you transition, embrace the next chapter with an open mind,” said Dr. Liu.
Student speaker Janvi Lola shared her journey as an international student from India. At Cerritos College, she served as a student ambassador and senator for student government. Janvi was actively involved in the honor society and featured in the campus episode of The College Tour, an Amazon Prime streaming series. Janvi spoke about the virtues of compassion, dedication, and honesty, encouraging her peers to pursue their goals with passion and humility. “We owe a debt of appreciation to our instructors who have challenged and inspired us, to our friends who have made this journey unique, and to our family who have supported us through thick and thin,” she said. Janvi completed her studies at Cerritos College and transferred to Azusa Pacific University in spring 2024.
The ceremony was organized by the APIDA Committee, which aims to engage the campus community in dialogues and activities that foster cultural awareness and create a welcoming, supportive environment for students to feel connected at Cerritos College. Cerritos College strives to develop culturally competent students with the knowledge, skills, and values that prepare them to be productive members of their local and global communities. For more information about the college’s diversity, equity, and inclusion frameworks, visit https://www.cerritos.edu/dei/default.htm.
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