FilGrad
The Filipinx Graduation (FilGrad) ceremony at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UH Mānoa) is a new tradition celebrated annually. This celebration seeks to highlight the rich history and contributions of Filipinxs in Hawai‘i. FilGrad puts the spotlight on Filipinx students who have reached the requirements to receive a degree at any level of higher education. Unlike any other commencement ceremony, FilGrad is put together by the graduates for the graduates. The bond between the students to reach this momentous day makes it an accomplishment on its own. The rate of Filipinx college graduates in the United States is far different from that in the Philippines. Only half of those who enter as first-year student at a university of higher education receive a college degree. Surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones, these students who participate in FilGrad are in turn thanking those around them for the help, support, love and inspiration they received in their lives.