Spring 2026 graduation
Veterans Honor Stole Ceremony
Each semester, graduating veteran students are invited to take part in the Veterans Honor Stole Ceremony. This event symbolizes the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, typically evoking feelings of accomplishment and pride. It's a time to celebrate with family and friends and reminisce on the memories made at ASU — the friendships forged, the challenges surmounted and the personal growth experienced.
After applying for graduation, you can register for the Veterans Honor Stole Ceremony (as well as other graduation ceremonies) through My ASU. Simply navigate to the Graduation tab in the My Programs section and click on the maroon button labeled “Register for your Ceremonies.”
Veterans Honor Stole Ceremony reception
Immediately following the Veterans Honor Stole Ceremony, join ASU Alumni and the Pat Tillman Veterans Center for a reception. We are ready to celebrate your graduation and welcome you as a Sun Devil Vet for Life!
Date: Saturday, May 9
Time: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Sun Devil Fitness Center (SDFC)
400 E. Apache Blvd.
Tempe, AZ 85287
Registration deadline: May 5
Stole Ceremony Frequently Asked Questions
The graduation ceremonies RVSP portal will open March 2.
The Veterans Honor Stole Ceremony celebrating graduating student veterans will be held Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 3 p.m. at Gammage on ASU’s Tempe campus.
Like other graduation ceremonies, you will go to the RSVP Ceremonies link on My ASU. The link will be accessible once registration is open. For step-by-step instructions, click here.
No, but you will be required to register and indicate your guest count. You are welcome to bring as many guests as you like.
Business casual. Do not bring your cap and gown to this ceremony. There will be a group photo taken shortly after the ceremony.
For additional details about the commencement week schedule, click here.
Students are granted only one veteran stole, regardless of how many ASU degrees they receive. You may walk in the Veterans Honor Stole Ceremony once.
Please contact Michelle Loposky at [email protected].
No. At this time, we are not providing veteran stoles prior to the event. We ask that you complete the registration through My ASU and indicate which graduation ceremonies you plan to attend or if you cannot attend any ceremonies during commencement week.
Those who will not be at any graduation ceremonies will be notified when veteran stoles will be available for pickup or mailing. Please note, mailings will occur 4–6 weeks after graduation week (for requested mailings only), and pickups will occur after December 22, 2025. Thank you for your understanding.
Be sure to review ASU’s Bag Policy for what is and isn’t allowed.
Graduation celebrations
ASU will celebrate graduating students with in-person events this May. Visit the Commencement and Convocation site for a full listing of college convocation and special interest ceremonies.
The Veterans Honor Stole Ceremony celebrating graduating student veterans will be held Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 3 p.m. at Gammage on ASU’s Tempe campus.
Register now through My ASU. The deadline for all graduation ceremonies is April 6.
Keynote speaker
Patrick J. Camuñez
Patrick Camunez is an attorney, entrepreneur, and author based in Arizona, with a professional focus on transportation, logistics, HR, and regulatory compliance. He has built a career helping businesses navigate complex legal and operational challenges while also developing ventures in real estate and hospitality. Beyond his professional work, Patrick is a dedicated family man and active member of his community, often integrating service and storytelling into his projects. As an author, he explores themes of resilience, justice, and identity through both historical and speculative fiction. A proud veteran, Patrick served multiple combat tours, and was awarded the bronze star in Iraq while serving in 1-18 Infantry while being airborne and ranger qualified. He has served in multiple duty stations across the United States and abroad.
Student speaker
Shay Marshall is a medically retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant who served from 2016 to 2023. During her career, she served as a Behavioral Health Technician (68X) with both the 82nd Airborne Division, where she earned the title of Jumpmaster, and the 7th Special Forces Group. Her service included a deployment to Al Asad, Iraq in 2020, providing mental health support to her fellow service members.
In the Fall of 2024, Shay was honored as the recipient of the Brandon Caserta Memorial Scholarship and wishes to extend her deepest gratitude to Patrick and Teri Caserta for their contribution to her continued education and advocacy in memory of their son, who was a fellow veteran.
As a dedicated lifelong learner, Shay holds multiple degrees in Psychology and Interdisciplinary Studies. Today, she celebrates the culmination of her hard work as she receives her Doctor of Behavioral Health from Arizona State University.
Currently residing in Navarre, Florida, Shay balances her professional pursuits with a passion for competitive bodybuilding and equestrian sports. Although she currently resides in Florida, she credits the Treks for Vets staff at the Pat Tillman Veterans Center for creating a community that made her feel like a true Arizona native.
Shay is supported today by her husband, daughter, and two bonus children. She is honored to transition to this new chapter as a doctoral graduate, continuing her mission to impact the lives of others.
Honoring student veterans at ASU
At the end of each semester, the Pat Tillman Veterans Center and the ASU Alumni Association recognize student veteran graduates with the Veterans Honor Stole Ceremony. Every year the ceremony grows larger, with more than 150 graduates and 700+ guests in attendance this year. It is a point of pride for our student veterans and their families.