Since 1987, the Chicanx/Latinx Graduation Celebration has been an annual celebration honoring the personal and academic achievements of graduating students — both undergraduate and graduate — who identify as Chicanx or Latinx or are friends of the ChiLat community. This event differs from the UC Davis Commencement ceremonies held at the Golden 1 Center by providing an inclusive celebration that fully embraces the significance of each graduating student's experience. All students are welcome to attend and celebrate with their peers.

The graduation celebration seeks to:

• Allow students to participate in a more personal and meaningful celebration with students who share similar backgrounds and experiences.
• Communicate the importance of education for students, families and the community.
• Recognize parents, family and others for their support and love in helping us to attain our college degrees.
• Organize a celebration for all faculty, staff, students and family in recognition that community represents the building blocks that help mold us into who we are as individuals.
• Expose fellow members of the campus community who are not of Chicanx/Latinx heritage to our event in the hopes that this will foster an appreciation for our distinct struggles, culture and achievements.
• Serve as a recruitment mechanism as well as provide role models for the Chicanx/Latinx youth.