The Chicano Latino Commencement is dedicated to educación, familia, comunidad, and cultura. We are dedicated to making sure that the Chicano Latino students are successful in their personal and academic experiences here at UC Merced. We are also dedicated towards making sure that the university honors its mission statement of providing students, "Interdisciplinary practice in research while nourishing undergraduate learning, building a foundation in connecting the ways that academic disciplines understand and grapple with society’s problems."

The Commencement is a festive and beautiful event that is in its third year of existence that will take place the day of UC Merced's general commencement. The ceremony celebrates the student’s personal successes and academic achievements in the spirit and tradition of the Chican@ Latin@ culture.

Our goal is to celebrate Diversity, here at UC Merced, and with our neighboring friends: the City of Merced, and the San Joaquin Valley. We have confirmed Writer/Director/Activist Luis Valdez as our 3rd Annual Keynote Speaker. Luis Valdez is the creator of El Teatro Campesino and key member to the Chicano Latino Community worldwide.