At Stanislaus State, students are playing an important role in the upcoming Investiture of President Britt Rios-Ellis. The event, which marks the formal installation of the university’s new president, will feature student contributions across creative design, hospitality, and performances.
Tony Serrato, a Studio Art major from Merced who previously lived in Uruapan, Mexico, is designing two gowns for President Rios-Ellis. One gown will be worn at the benefit dinner and another under her academic regalia during the ceremony. Serrato has experience as a wedding dress designer and his work has received national recognition on Glamour.com for its coverage of top wedding dress shops on Etsy.
Serrato expressed his excitement about the opportunity: “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.”
The designs incorporate a hummingbird motif that represents resilience and joy—a symbol chosen by Rios-Ellis. The motif also holds personal significance for the president; her daughter Itzél created the hummingbird graphics used throughout the event’s materials.
Student involvement extends beyond fashion design. Student-athletes from all men’s and women’s teams will serve as greeters during both the benefit dinner and Investiture ceremony. Steven Flowers, associate director of Athletics, noted: “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!”
Students have also contributed to event decor through work at the Dr. Allan Greenberg & Dr. Ellen Junn Warrior Fab Lab. Under Fab Lab Coordinator Melissa Parga, student assistants Sergio Parga, Angel Flores, and Nickolas Murillo created hummingbird-themed centerpieces that highlight recent national rankings achieved by Stanislaus State.
Music will play a part in setting the tone at the ceremony with performances by the Stanislaus State Latin Jazz Ensemble featuring student musicians. Students from local schools will also participate: Turlock High School Navy JROTC Color Guard will present colors and Mariachi Juvenil Corazón Ranchero from Los Banos Unified School District will add regional music to the program.
For Serrato, participating in this milestone is especially meaningful: “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.”
