Recognizing UCLA’s commitment to service, the College of Letters and Science will hold a service-themed commencement this June, featuring keynote speaker Aaron Williams, director of the Peace Corps.
Prior to last year’s commencement, which paid tribute to John Wooden, the College’s commencement typically did not have a theme, said Julie Sina, chief of staff of the College of Letters and Science.
This year is the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps, which UCLA helped mobilize in its early years. When the organization was first established, UCLA was the training site for Nigeria-bound volunteers; now, it remains one of the most active college campuses, having raised more than 1,700 leaders in the Peace Corps, according to the organization’s website.
Williams has performed service work in the Dominican Republic and has directed the U.S. Agency for International Development in South Africa.
Williams’ key presence at the College’s commencement serves as a reminder of the nature of UCLA culture, said Antoinette Mongelli, director of the UCLA Volunteer Center.
“Participating in the world you live in is key to being a well-rounded human being,” she said. “Someone shouldn’t want to get involved just because it makes them a better student, it’s just the right thing to do.”
In addition to Williams’ speech, the ceremony will highlight students who have committed themselves to service during their time at UCLA.
“We’re going to have a flag ceremony at the beginning, showing the countries served by the Peace Corps,” Sina said. “Select students involved in service will be the flag-bearers.”
Last August, the Washington Monthly ranked UCLA first in the nation in community participation. Thus, it is not only appropriate, but is also important for graduating seniors to realize service as a fundamental goal of their undergraduate education, said Jasmine Hill, Undergraduate Students Association Council president.
“When I heard that commencement would have a theme, I was originally apprehensive,” she said. “It seemed less of a theme and more of who we are at UCLA. It’s part of life and who we are, and it makes sense to send grads off with a reminder of what UCLA has brought them.”