Embracing family, identity and tradition at APID grad celebration

This night, filled with fun, culture and joy, gave the graduates a meaningful experience they can carry with them long after crossing the final stage on June 11.

The APID Grad Celebration night on May 26 began with a fun and engaging performance by the University of California, Irvine’s Chinese lion dance team. Two vibrant red and blue lions came to life as the dancers moved beneath the elaborate costumes, bringing energy, tradition and excitement to the celebration.

All members of the Board of Trustees were in attendance, with Trustee Uduak-Joe Ntuk and Superintendent-President Mike Munoz delivering remarks during the ceremony.

Both speakers also highlighted the significance of the event as the first major celebration held in the new Jenni Rivera Performing Arts Center’s auditorium in the LAC.

_{Lion dance team from UCI bring in LBCC graduates of 2026 at the APID Graduation. The ceremony was held at LAC May 26 in the auditorium at the new G Building. (Thavarath Ellis)}

LBCC’s APID club, with the acronym standing for “Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi” representation, gives students at LBCC a space to connect with others who share similar identities and experiences.

The organization’s mission centers on “community, advocacy, representation and enrichment” as said in their Instagram bio.

This year’s theme at the APID Grad Celebration was “United Roots,” which was meant to remind students of where they came from and who they are in this next chapter of their life after graduation. 

“You did not get here by accident. Every challenge, sacrifice and moment of perseverance has led you to this stage today,” said Alex Luong, the director of the First Year and Second Year Experience at LBCC in his welcoming speech. 

This graduation celebration featured two keynote speakers instead of one, with both of them being alumni from LBCC and highlighting their connection to their roots.  

_{Student speaker Pallavy Noeun presents her speech to her fellow graduates at the APID Graduation Ceremony. The ceremony was held at LAC on May 26 in the auditorium at the new G Building. (Thavarath Ellis)}

Alumnus Belinda Theam, whose mother and two brothers all got associate degrees from LBCC, is the first in her family to be a lawyer. She has opened her own firm and also served as a community liaison to the U.S. ambassador. 

Theam highlighted her family roots in Cambodia as she shared with students the message of “your identity is your power.”

She shared a story of when she was representing a Cambodian family and how she was able to step in when the translator was not fully communicating their concerns. Knowing some of the language herself, she felt proud to support and advocate for her community.

“When you are looking for your purpose and who you are, you won’t ever have to look far,” Theam said. 

The second keynote speaker, Koriano Leifi, is a second-generation Samoan American who is also a Navy veteran and a former APID club member at LBCC and alumnus. 

He is currently majoring in graphic design at Cal State Long Beach.

His message to the students centered on staying connected to their roots and culture, leaving them with the question, “Who brought you here today, and who are you here for?”

_{Samoan LBCC alumni Koriano Leifi speaks to LBCC class of 2026 at the APID Graduation Ceremony. The ceremony was held at LAC on May 26 in the auditorium at the new G Building. (Thavarath Ellis)}

Before handing out the sashes that graduates will wear for graduation, one more speaker shared a speech. 

It was current student Pallavy Noeun who is going on to study civil engineering at CSULB. 

She shared that she was first introduced to LBCC through the APID fashion show while still in high school. As a first-generation college student, she hopes to show others what can be achieved through perseverance and determination.

Maria Santos, a family member of one of the graduates said, “I’m proud to see my child recognized here and to see a community that reflects who they are.”

Overall, the celebration highlighted the strength of community, culture and shared identity, leaving graduates with a lasting sense of pride and connection as they prepare to take their next steps beyond LBCC.

_{LBCC graduate of 2026, Tien Nguyen, accepts her diploma at the APID graduation ceremony alongside other graduates. The ceremony was held at LAC on May 26 in the auditorium at the new G Building. (Thavarath Ellis)}