Students Keep Investiture Humming

At Stanislaus State, students are at the heart of the University's mission, so it's only fitting that Warriors are playing a key role in the Investiture of President Britt Rios-Ellis.

From contributing creative design to hospitality and performances, students are leaving their mark in a variety of ways. One example is Tony Serrato of Merced, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art. He is designing two gowns for Rios-Ellis to wear, one during the benefit dinner - an event that brings together sponsors and donors in support of presidential priorities - the other underneath her academic regalia at the Investiture.

Serrato, who moved from Uruapan, Mexico, eight years ago and has since built a career as a wedding dress designer, has already attracted national attention. His bridal work was highlighted by Glamour.com in its feature on the "Best Wedding Dress Shops on Etsy."

Still, he said he never expected an opportunity like this.

"I was hoping to create a jacket or any other garment for her for a special occasion, but I never imagined I would design two gowns for her Investiture," Serrato said. "I am thrilled to dress her and showcase my work."

Inspired by the hummingbird motif chosen for the Investiture, a symbol of resilience and joy, Serrato blended floral patterns with both sophistication and flair: a vibrant, modern silhouette for the benefit dinner and a classic black lace design for the ceremony. The motif carries special meaning for Rios-Ellis, whose daughter, Itzél, designed the hummingbird graphics used throughout the Investiture materials.

Explore the Investiture Website

Warrior Spirit will also be on full display as student-athletes from all women's and men's teams extend a warm welcome to guests during the benefit dinner and Investiture ceremony.

"The student-athletes are serving as greeters for all the guests, showcasing our Warrior Spirit," said Steven Flowers, associate director of Athletics. "We will have more than 200 student-athletes throughout the event from all of our teams. Go Warriors!"

Creativity is also taking shape in the Dr. Allan Greenberg & Dr. Ellen Junn Warrior Fab Lab, where students created centerpieces and hummingbird-themed decor for the benefit dinner and ceremony hospitality events.

Fab Lab Coordinator Melissa Parga shared that student assistants Sergio Parga, Angel Flores and Nickolas Murillo teamed up to produce the hummingbird items. The centerpieces, which highlight Stan State's recent national rankings, will be displayed at the benefit dinner and during hospitality events before and after the Investiture ceremony, giving guests a glimpse of Warrior ingenuity in action.

Music and performances will also feature students front and center. The Stanislaus State Latin Jazz Ensemble, which features student performers, will add its sound to the ceremony. They'll be joined by students from area schools, including the Turlock High School Navy JROTC Color Guard, which will present the colors, and Mariachi Juvenil Corazón Ranchero from Los Banos Unified School District, adding regional flair to the program.

For Serrato, the honor of contributing to such a historic moment is deeply personal.

"It is a big deal," he said. "As an art student, I feel so honored to have such an opportunity to dress the president of Stan State for her Investiture. Especially for President Rios-Ellis, who advocates like no one else for all the students and the University."