About Hispanic Convocation

The ASU Hispanic Convocation is a signature event that honors the accomplishments and commitment of ASU Hispanic students pursuing higher education.

The first convocation was held on May 12, 1984 in the Town of Guadalupe and honored 49 participants. Greg Acedo, with the Hispanic Business Students Association and David Lopez, representing MEChA, served as student co-chairs of the first-ever convocation and lead the way for student groups such as the Hispanic Education Council, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, La Raza Law Students and Minority Pre-Med students to rally together and a take a grass roots effort that today has become a significant part of ASU’s Hispanic traditions and commencement ceremonies. Community leaders Congressman Ed Pastor, at that time County Supervisor, Dr. Cecilia Esquer, Danny Ortega, Jose Ronstadt and Jerry Pastor stepped up to support these students and make their vision a reality.

By 2007 the convocation had introduced the Congressman Ed Pastor Outstanding Graduate Student award and the Jose Ronstadt Outstanding Undergraduate Student award to recognize the extraordinary achievements of two ASU graduates. Pastor and Ronstadt were instrumental in their support and involvement with the inception of the first Hispanic Convocation.

Hispanic Convocation is open to any ASU graduating student (including undergraduate, graduate and doctoral candidates) completing a degree in the fall or spring term. This special ceremony allows each student to personally thank those who supported them throughout their academic endeavors with a short personal statement read aloud during the ceremony.

With each succeeding year, this ceremony continues to generate support and enthusiasm. Our goal is the legacy of higher education inspired through the celebration of the ASU Hispanic Convocation serves as a stepping-stone for generations of ASU graduates to come.