Saturday, May 17, 2025
Student Recreation Center, Fresno State
Ceremony: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cross-Cultural and Gender Center
African American Student Recognition Ceremony
(Black Grad)
Black Grad, also known as the African American Recognition Ceremony, is the annual affinity ceremony for graduating students designed to celebrate their academic achievements. This event is typically held on the Saturday of Fresno State's Graduation weekend.
Black graduation happens every year in May during commencement season. Black graduation is open and available to all who are interested to apply and/or participate, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Registration is required in order to be a part of the ceremony, to receive graduation regalia, and to have your photo in the program. Register Here If you have any questions or concerns, please email afamgrad@mail.fresnostate.edu or contact the Cross Cultural and Gender Center at 559.278.4435.Graduation Resources
- Registration: To participate in the 40th Annual African American Recognition Ceremony (Black Grad) at Fresno State, registration is mandatory. By registering, you'll secure your spot in the ceremony, receive a custom-designed Black Grad stole, and have your photo featured in the official program booklet. You can register by completing the Registration Form. After submitting the registration form, a follow-up email will provide you with a link to submit your $40 participation fee and another link to upload your photo for inclusion in the program booklet. The registration deadline is May 2, 2025. The $40 fee covers your custom Black Grad stole, a printed program booklet featuring your photo and name, and a beautifully curated ceremony experience celebrating your achievements. After registering, you can make your payment here.
- Academic Achievement Award: Undergraduates who have a 3.00 OVERALL grade point average are recognized for academic achievement. Graduates who have a 3.5 OVERALL grade point average are also recognized for academic achievement
- Highest Academic Achievement Award: Students with the highest grade point average are recognized for academic excellence. This award acknowledges graduates for dedication and commitment to helping make our campus and community a better place.
- Black Faculty and Staff Service Award: The Black Faculty and Staff Service Award honor one staff, faculty member or student who has made outstanding contributions and shown uncommon dedication and commitment to the organization's mission. Click here to nominate someone: Black Faculty and Staff Service Award
We are excited to celebrate the success of African American students at Fresno State!
If you have any questions or would like to arrange for special accommodations, please email afamgrad@csufresno.edu or call (559) 278-4435.
Additional Information
- Are you thinking about attending graduate school? Deciding whether to attend, searching
for the best program, and the application process can be difficult. The Career Development Center is here to guide you through the process.
- Alumni Association. Your Bulldog Connection. For Life. Be a part of the celebration! Join us at GradFest, a two-day event that is your one-stop-shop for all things graduation. Pick up your Grad Box, take your senior portrait, meet with your college graduate services, and most importantly...celebrate your success because you did it!
- We encourage graduates to extend invitations to their family and friends. There are no restrictions on the number of guests who can attend.
- There will be no charge for admission or parking.
- The beginning of the program is time-sensetive, therefore everyone is encouraged to be on time.
- Graduates are required to report to the Student Recreation Center at 1:30 p.m.
*Please note helium balloons are not permitted at the Student Recreation Center.
A souvenir program book with pictures of graduates and congratulatory advertisements is produced each year. Families, friends, churches, community organizations, academic departments, community businesses, and others may purchase advertisement space to salute the achievement of graduating students.
Congratulate a friend or get your club or organization to sponsor an advertisement honoring a graduate or all members of the class. The personal advertisement rates are for family and friends. Click here to download the Personal Advertisement Reservation Form, and Business/Campus Advertisement Form.
To purchase, please use this link: Cross Cultural and Gender Center eMarket
Personal Advertisement Rates
(FOR STUDENTS ONLY – CANNOT BE USED FOR BUSINESS)
Full Page (7”x9.5” – vertical only) $ 225.00
Half Page (7”x4.75” – horizontal only) $ 125.00
Quarter Page (3”x5” – vertical only) $ 75.00
Business Card Size (3.5”x2” – horizontal only) $ 55.00
Business Advertisement Rates
Full Page (7”x9.5” – vertical only) $ 385.00
Full Page Cover (Inside Front or Inside Back) $ 400.00
Half Page (7”x4.75” – horizontal only) $ 200.00
Quarter Page (3”x5” – vertical only) $ 150.00
Business Card Size (3.5”x2” – horizontal only) $ 125.00
For more information contact:
Cross Cultural and Gender Center
Telephone: 559.278.4435
Email: afamgrad@csufresno.edu
The final advertisement copy is due: TBD
Graduates may not be considered for special awards if forms are submitted after the April 15, 2024 deadline.
Awards may include the following:
Academic Achievement Award
Undergraduates who have a 3.00 OVERALL grade point average are recognized for academic achievement.
Graduates who have a 3.5 OVERALL grade point average are also recognized for academic achievement
Highest Academic Achievement Award
Students with the highest grade point average are recognized for academic excellence
This award acknowledges graduates for dedication and commitment to helping make our campus and community a better place.
Black Faculty and Staff Service Award
The Black Faculty and Staff Service Award honors a staff, faculty member or student who has made outstanding contributions and shown uncommon dedication and commitment to the organization's mission.
During the Rite of Passage Ceremony, each graduate will “walk” across the stage as his/her name is announced and will be draped in a Kente Cloth and presented with a diploma cover.