The partnership between San Diego State University and Aztec Shops will bring forth the second annual Grad Fest from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. today through Thursday on the south side of Aztec Shops.
“Students can use Grad Fest as their one-stop shop to obtain caps, gowns, invitations, announcements, thank-you cards, class rings, portraits, etc.,” said Sylvia Mangubot, coordinator of the activities.
In addition to the products and services available through Grad Fest, students will be able to order Aztec football season tickets through the Athletic Foundation.
Students will also have the opportunity to sign up for free membership of up to one year for the SDSU Alumni Association and be introduced to SDSU alumni for networking purposes.
One of the main promotional materials used for this event is the scratch-off mailer sent out to all prospective graduating students. The mailer gives students a chance to win a range of prizes such as an Apple computer, class rings, portrait packages and T-shirts.
Sponsorship for the event includes Apple Computers, Jostens, SDSU Alumni Card and MBNA Credit.
“It’s the one event that I look forward to more than any other during the year,” Mangubot said. “It’s really fun working with students who are very excited in making preparations for their graduation and getting the needed things together for their commencement and celebration.”
In addition to wearing the traditional cap and gown during commencement, this year’s graduating students will have the honor of wearing a red ribbon and medallion to mark SDSU’s centennial.
SDSU Ambassadors will be helping at the festival, making sure the lines are kept in order as well as providing any additional information regarding the event.
The Retired Employees of SDSU will be heading the ticket distribution as well as assisting the coordination and facilitation of the event.
“The number of tickets given to each student varies from the size of the college they are graduating from,” said Andrea Peters, assistant to the vice president in Business and Financial Affairs.
Grad Fest will be the best opportunity to obtain tickets for graduation. A lottery drawing of any unclaimed or extra tickets is held two weeks before graduation weekend for those who would like additional tickets.
“Just to see the students walking down the aisle and to hear the music and to see that their parents are so proud that’s what (the planning and effort) is all about,” Peters said.
If you miss Grad Fest or would like additional information, call the Grad Fest Hotline at 594-3066.
