GradFest Delivered Excitement to Seniors Preparing for The Big Day

  • Students gather in front of the Csun Bookstore for GradFest 2023

    Graduating seniors flocked to attend GradFest at the CSUN Campus Store on March 8th and 9th to ask questions, win free prizes, order their caps and gowns and much more. Photo by Sonia Gurrola.

  • Students stop by a table to grab free pens during GradFest 2023

    Happy students take advantage of freebies at the informational tables at GradFest, Mar. 8, 2023 at the Campus Store. Photo by Sonia Gurrola.

  • A senior poses for a professional photograph courtesy of GradImages

    A graduating senior shows off how thrilled he is to finish his degree as he poses for his professional photos with GradImages. Photo by Sonia Gurrola.

  • Students focus as they choose what cap and gown package to order with HerffJones

    Students decide which graduation package best fit their needs as they order them on the computers set up by HerffJones. Photo by Sonia Gurrola.

  • A representative talks a student through information regarding diploma frames.

    A representative shows options for purchasing frames for a well-deserved diploma. Photo by Sonia Gurrola.

  • Students use computers set up by PrideSash to customize their sashes for graduation.

    Students customize personal sashes at the PrideSash booth, choosing what text, logos and symbols should be proudly displayed when they walk the stage in May. Photo by Sonia Gurrola.

There was an excited buzz of conversation surrounding the Campus Store Complex as hundreds of graduating seniors queued up Mar. 8-9, 2023 for GradFest. The annual event was created to help graduates get everything they need in time for May commencement ceremonies.

In addition to ordering caps and gowns, grads could peruse memorabilia like class rings and diploma frames, as well as decorate the sashes that go over their gowns.

Lines snaked throughout the bookstore as the future alumni waited to make their purchases. They also geared up to take the first of many graduation photos.

“It was very eye-opening because it doesn’t feel like I’m going to graduate in a few months,” said Joshua Laxa, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in biology.“ The crowd and decorations made it feel real,” Laxa said. 

To offer in-person guidance, vendors such as Herff Jones and PrideSash set up laptops for students to order their caps, gowns, sashes and more.

Representatives from GradImages were there to snap professional photos of smiling seniors dressed in graduation regalia. The photos were then available for online purchase.

 “It was convenient having everything in one place, especially since I was confused about where to get my graduation stuff,” said Anthony Lopez, who will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism.

Those who took advantage of this annual two-day event could do more than shop. They could also ask questions about the commencement ceremonies, learn more about alumni association benefits, take photos and more.

Students who did not attend can still find a list of vendors and campus partners on the GradFest website.

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