Office of International Programs
F-1 Visa International Student Services


2008 International Student
Celebration of Achievement
Ceremony and Reception

*Faculty, Staff, and Special Guests please RSVP at faculty page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


History of OIP's Celebration of Achievement Ceremony and Reception

In April 1994, a group of SFSU international students approached SFSU’s Office of International Programs and requested OIP’s help with organizing a special ceremony honoring and recognizing the many international students who graduate from SFSU each Spring. The students wanted to hold an event that would be more personal and individual than the university’s beautiful and large commencement ceremony and which would not only allow their fellow international students to assemble together as a group one last time to celebrate their graduation from SFSU but that would also allow them to invite an unlimited number of family and friends to celebrate with them. After carefully studying the students’ proposal and after a great deal of research, planning and preparation, OIP organized the first ceremony in May 1995 which was attended by 95 students and 300 guests.

At each ceremony, every student is presented with a beautifully prepared “Certificate of Accomplishment” by OIP, distinguished SFSU faculty and staff are honored for their contributions towards furthering the cause of international education at SFSU and a prominent member of the university’s faculty/staff delivers an eloquent keynote address. The event is even highlighted by a magnificent international cultural performance! A professional photographer is on hand to record the event and takes pictures of each student as their names are read and they walk across the stage to accept their certificate. The ceremony is followed by a cake and punch reception hosted by OIP.

Celebrating it’s 14th year, today’s “Celebration of Achievement” Ceremony & Reception has become a much cherished annual tradition which is eagerly anticipated by both SFSU international students and OIP staff and which is attended by more than 200 students and over 600 guests each year!

Learn more about
Graduation Ceremonies In Western Culture and SFSU History

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Attend Celebration of Achievement Ceremony

CEREMONY: Students who wish to attend the Spring 2008 Celebration of Achievement Ceremony must RSVP by May 9, 2008. Students must arrive at McKenna Theater no later than 4:30pm on Friday, May 23in order to check-in, confirm attendance and take a group photo.

Please wear your graduation cap and gown, as this will be a FORMAL CEREMONY.

Certificates will only be prepared for students who attend the ceremony.

RECEPTION: OIP will host a FREE reception immediately following the ceremony from 7-8pm in CA 153. Cake and punch will be served and all are welcome!

TRANSPORTATION: See transportation for more information

PARKING: Public parking is available in the main university parking structure (Lot 20) at a cost of $2.00/hr. ($5.00/max). Please see the enclosed campus map. Parking is also available along Holloway Ave. and Font Blvd.

Please note that the ceremony will last approximately two hours. Students should leave their valuables (purses, coats, etc.) with a family member or friend when they check-in at 4:30pm. SAN FRANCISCO STATE UNIVERSITY AND THE OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR STOLEN ITMES!

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International Student Sash

In order to add a more colorful and international dimension to the ceremony, we would like to provide each graduating international student with the opportunity to purchase an “International Student Sash” by Visionwear International.

Each sash depicts the vivid colors of each country and displays the unique qualities of the national flags. Each sash also serves as a distinguished symbol of students' international study experience in the United States. Students may also wear their sashes at the University’s official commencement ceremony the following day on Saturday, May 24, 2008.

Sample sashes are on display at the Office of International Programs (ADM 450). Order sashes before Friday, May 2 to avoid rush shipping and handling charges.

Please note that purchase of a sash is optional. Students do not need to purchase or wear a sash in order to participate in the ceremony.

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Photography

A group photo will be taken of all students participating in our ceremony at 4:30pm. Please be sure to arrive at McKenna Theater no later than 4:30pm if you want to be included in the group photo!

A professional photographer will take individual student photos both before and as the student receives the certificate on stage. The photos will be available online for purchase after the ceremony.

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Download Invitation and Student Information Sheet

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Invitation  
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Student Information Sheet  


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RSVP/Reply

Student must RSVP by May 9, 2008in order to assure that their names are printed accurately on the certificate. Please type your name as you would like it to appear on your certificate and indicate the number of guests who will accompany you.

This is a FREE event and admission tickets for your family and friends ARE NOT REQUIRED. Although you may invite as many guests as you would like, seating is limited and will be made available on a “first-come, first-served” basis. So plan to arrive early!

Doors will open at 4:00pm.

CLOSE

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Important Dates To Remember

Description Date
Deadline to Order Your International Student Sash Friday, May 2
Deadline to RSVP Friday, May 9
14th Annual “Celebration of Achievement” Ceremony Friday, May 23

 



 

 

 

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1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132    415/338-1293
Last modified March, 2008, by the Office of International Programs