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Lotus Laureate is a formal ceremony celebrating the accomplishments of Lotus Lounge, previously known as APASA, and providing personal recognition of graduating Asian Pacific Desi American scholars amongst key University and community leaders from all disciplines. The evening will include guest speakers, cultural performances, and recognition of the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 graduates. Please feel free to invite all of your family, friends, and supporters to this FREE celebration.

This year's APASA Lotus Laureate Celebration will be held on:

Saturday, May 9th, 2026 at 2 PM

Location: Student Union Memorial Center Ballroom (3rd Floor)

In-person Program

Guests: All are welcome!  

Cost: FREE, no tickets are required

If you have any questions, please contact kristietham@arizona.edu.

Registration Information

Register for Lotus Laureate

Deadline to register is Friday, May 1st.

Are you a graduating student interested in giving a student speech at the ceremony?

Apply to be a senior student speaker

Deadline to apply is Friday, April 17th.

Interested in being a volunteer?

Register for Volunteering

Deadline to apply is Friday, May 1st.

Event Information & Itinerary 

Topic: Lotus Laureate Celebration & APASA Leadership Awards

Time: May 9, 2026 2 PM event starts. Appetizers will be served at 1:45 PM.

Check with APASA staff for this year's graduation ceremony. 

Arrival

• GRADUATES: All graduates must report between the hours of 2 PM and 2:15 PM to the South Ballroom at the Student Union Memorial Center (SUMC), located on the 3rd floor. Registration will be at the entrance closest to the elevator. We will also have directional signs.
• We will ask all graduates to start lining up by 2:00 PM for the graduate processional. Our staff will make an announcement to remind students to line up in the room next to the South Ballroom. Procession will start promptly at 2:15 PM.
• Snacks and refreshments will be available for graduates and their guests starting 1:45 PM.
• Professional pictures of the graduates will be taken and available for purchase from Grad Images.

Suggested Dress Code

• Lotus Laureate Celebration is a semi-formal event and graduates may wear traditional dress or semi-formal dress. You may also wear your cap and gown, but it is not mandatory. Most students come in semi-formal attire/ cultural attire with their stoles, and other graduation regalia. 

Presentation of Stoles

• You will be announced in alphabetical order by first name.
• As your row is released to the stage, the person/s who will put your stole on you should line up next to you.
• One of the APASA staff/faculty will read your profile and another staff/faculty will wrap the stole over your shoulders.
• You have the option to say a quick 10-15 seconds “thank you”. Please keep it to a quick acknowledgment of who you want to honor to keep us on track.
• As you exit, there will be another chance to take photos via Grad Images – a 3^rd party vendor who will send you proofs after graduation.  

Parking

• Graduates/Guests: Complimentary parking will be available for all convocation and celebration guests in the garage closest to the venue, on a space-available basis. Please note that parking availability must still accommodate garage permit holders, so smaller garages—such as the 2nd Street Garage—may fill up quickly.