Pendleton stoles are gifted to graduating students at the American Indian Convocation each spring and fall semester. (Photo courtesy of Lyonel Tso.)

American Indian Convocation at ASU

By: Taylor Notah

Tribal Affiliation: Navajo

B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication

The American Indian Convocation is a beautiful commencement that honors Native student culture and achievement every May and December. In charge of this celebration is the American Indian Student Support Services (AISSS) office which works to ensure that Native customs are incorporated into the graduation ceremony.

According to the Executive Director of AISSS Michael Begaye, the American Indian Convocation was first implemented by Cal Seciwa (Zuni), the first director of the American Indian Institute (now AISSS) from 1989 to 2006.

“Cal Seciwa started it. We (showcase) drum music for the procession, an honor song, and they sing for the recession when they march out,” said Begaye.

Held in ASU Gammage, the convocation honors the connection to local tribes by displaying the flags of Arizona’s 22 tribal nations and the tribal flags of the graduating students.

During the ceremony, students receive stunning stoles made from Pendleton blankets in front of family and friends who have supported them on their college journey.

“In the spirit of tradition, AISSS honor our students’ achievements by presenting a Pendleton stole, a commemorative gift to signify their success,” explained Laura Gonzales-Macias, associate director of AISSS. “Historically, blankets have been bestowed on Indigenous people as a way to commemorate their leadership, activism and heroism.”

The Pendleton stoles signify courage, strength, determination and bravery, according to Gonzales-Macias. Each stole is draped by faculty and tribal leadership as staff, family, alumni and friends witness and celebrate.

The black-trimmed stoles are presented to doctoral graduates, the gold-trimmed stoles for masters, and the maroon-trimmed stoles for undergraduates. (Photo courtesy of AISSS.) (Right:) Seamstress Evelyn Begay of Sanders, Arizona. (Photo courtesy of Roshan Spottsville.)

For 10 years, seamstress Evelyn Begay has created 150 to 175 stoles for the spring convocation and 100 to 130 for the fall. Making stoles for the graduates has special meaning as four of Begay’s children have graduated from ASU, and she currently has a grandson attending ASU. Sewing all of the stoles takes Begay a month and a half and she shares that she is pleased knowing that Native graduates will receive one.

“For me, it’s very gratifying because I know it’s going to students who will appreciate it,” Begay said. “The stoles are a part of their achievement for taking the time and the effort into completing their education.”