Commencement

Xavier Becerra was born in Sacramento, California, to immigrant parents and was the first in his family to graduate from a university and become a lawyer. He started his career as a legal advocate for individuals with mental illness, then served 12 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he championed key healthcare reforms, including the Affordable Care Act, lowered Medicare costs for seniors, and protected Americans’ Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

In 2017, Congressman Becerra became California’s Attorney General, where he led efforts to protect Californians’ privacy and consumer rights and hold large corporations and the opioid industry accountable. AG Becerra protected Californians from Trump Administration attacks, suing the federal government more than 100 times. In 2021, AG Becerra became the 25th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where he oversaw the operations of Medicare, the ACA, Medicaid, the FDA, the CDC, and the NIH. Under his leadership, America achieved the highest level of healthcare coverage in history. He successfully executed the Biden Administration’s campaign to end the COVID pandemic, which was killing thousands of Americans every day and ravaging our economy.

Xavier is married to Dr. Carolina Reyes, a maternal fetal medicine specialist and professor of medicine at UC Davis Medical Center. Together, they have three accomplished daughters, Clarisa, Olivia, and Natalia.

Little Willie G and Thee Midniters are often referred to as the “Beatles of East Los Angeles” due to their significant impact on the Chicano rock and music scene during the 1960s. A two-time GRAMMY Award winner, Willie is an iconic figure in the music industry, best known for his powerful vocals and songwriting as the former frontman of Thee Midniters, as well as his work with God’s Children and Malo. A native Angeleno, Willie emerged from the vibrant South Central and East Los Angeles music scene, where he collaborated with numerous GRAMMY Award-winning artists, including Los Lobos, Ry Cooder, and Andraé Crouch. He continues to captivate audiences around the world with his performances.

In addition to his musical career, Willie is a graduate of Faith Bible Training Center in Torrance, CA, and attended Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. He serves as an Evangelist and Teacher at The Good Shepherd Bible Church in Whittier, California.

Yes, rehearsal will take place Monday, June 9th, at 3 pm, and generally lasts about an hour and a half.

On the day of rehearsal, all graduates should report directly to Campus Center (Campus Map) for instructions. If you cannot attend, please follow the usher's instructions on the day of the ceremony.

The LAMC bookstore sells the full set of gown, hat, and tassel and you can also purchase Honor’s Cords for an additional fee in early May. See LAMC Student Store website for more details.

No RSVP is necessary. You are encouraged to attend the Commencement rehearsal on June 9th at 3 pm. If you cannot attend rehearsal, you can still attend the ceremony on Tuesday, June 10th, but you must wear the appropriate graduation robe and cap to participate.

Graduating students only report directly to Campus Center on Tuesday, June 10th at 9 am. Please be on time.

No personal items should be brought to the Campus Center. You will be given a card with your name on it. Please do not bring guests inside the Campus Center, they are invited to attend in the quad area.

Professional photographers will take your photo before you go on stage and after your name is called. Visit Gradimages.com after the ceremony to view and purchase photo packages. You are not obligated to purchase any photos or a photo package.

Graduates are encouraged to take photos outside with their families and friends after the ceremony. We ask that family and friends respect the designated viewing areas and remain behind the safety barriers for everyone's safety. These barriers are in place to ensure clear access for graduates, staff, and emergency personnel.

Only your main major degree will be called after your name when you walk on stage.

You can invite as many guests as you would like, but please note that the ceremony is held outside in the quad. Please check this page closer to the ceremony date for an announcement about overflow seating.

Parking will be FREE on the date of the ceremony, and we encourage all parties to utilize the parking structure and avoid disrupting the neighborhood community.

A sign language interpreter will be present for the entire ceremony. If you need other special access or accommodations, please contact the Vice President of Administrative Services at @email or call (818) 364-7772

The designated area will be limited to the person with the disability and just one guest to assist them. The rest of your party will need to be seated in the general audience. Wristbands will be issued for this designated area.

Please do not bring your pets. Comfort pets are not allowed.

Unfortunately, no. Please leave your child or children with a family member or friend in the audience. Children are allowed in the audience with the other guests but not to walk in the processional or on stage.

You are not required to purchase invitations to invite guests. However, announcements are available for purchase at the LAMC Student Store.

Admissions & Records will verify that you have completed all the requirements for your degree. Printed diplomas are mailed by October. Make sure that your address is updated in your Student Portal.

The L.A. Department of Health has removed all restrictions for outside gatherings at this time, but measures may change without notice. Social Distancing and Masks are now optional. LAMC will live stream the event for family and friends who cannot attend in person.