Where My Leis Have Traveled: A Graduation Tour 🎓🌸

Concordia University - St. Paul

Every lei I make feels like it carries a little piece of aloha with it. The hand-tied ribbons, folded bills, and charms all come together into something that isn’t just for wearing. It’s for celebrating.

Over the years, my graduation leis have taken little journeys of their own, traveling across the country and landing at campuses far beyond my California home. So I thought it would be fun to share where The Sweet Leis Co. graduation leis have been spotted. A lei travel diary, if you will.

West Coast Pride

Graduations on the West Coast always bring out the big school spirit. I’ve made leis for graduates from the following schools and more:

UC Berkeley

• UC Berkeley (go Oski Bears! Blue & gold never goes out of style)

• UC Davis (Gunrock the mustang was so fun to make!)

• UC San Diego

• UC San Marcos

• UC Santa Barbara (go Gauchos!)

• UC Santa Cruz

• Stanford University (that bright Cardinal red!)

• San José State University

• Sonoma State University

• University of Oregon (green & yellow to match the Ducks)

• Washington State University

• Concordia University – St. Paul (Portland campus)

  

  Stanford University

Each school has its own energy, and I love matching leis to those bold school colors. Seeing them pop in graduation photos makes the long hours of weaving and tying feel more than worth it.

Mountain West Spirit

University of Utah

Leis have also found their way to the University of Utah. There’s something so fun about imagining a sea of black gowns and seeing a burst of red and white ribbon lei standing out in the crowd. Even in the Mountain West, the tradition of lei-giving makes the celebration feel extra special.

Southern Smiles

University of Georgia

Leis have even made it as far as the University of Georgia, a long way from California, but still wrapped with aloha. I can’t help but grin when I picture the grad walking across the stage in Athens, Georgia, wearing a lei that traveled thousands of miles to be there.

Midwest Milestones

University of Chicago

Another destination that made me stop and smile was the University of Chicago. There’s something so special about knowing a lei from California made it all the way to the Midwest, celebrating achievements under those iconic gothic towers. It’s proof that no matter the distance, the meaning of a lei translates everywhere.

Far from Home but Close at Heart

Tulane University

One of the most surprising (and delightful) places my leis have landed is Tulane University in New Orleans. The bold, Mardi Gras-inspired colors—green, purple, and gold—make a fun canvas for ribbon work. It’s proof that aloha really does blend in anywhere.

Local Love 💕

Joseph George Middle School

Of course, some of my favorite orders are closer to home. My leis have celebrated milestones at local elementary, middle, and high schools across California.

And while I can’t list every single campus, I know Sweet Leis Co. creations have traveled in California and well beyond, to more out-of-state schools that I haven't mentioned yet — crossing state lines and landing at graduations in places I never imagined. I don’t always get to see the photos or hear the stories, so if you’ve worn or gifted one in California or elsewhere, I’d love to know. It means the world to see where they’ve gone.

More Than Ribbons, More Than Flowers 🌸

Quimby Oak Middle School

Every time I make a graduation lei and adjust the ribbons and flowers just right, I feel like I’m sending out more than a gift. I’m sending joy and family pride. I’m sending a little piece of connection that will live forever in those graduation photos.

It always amazes me every time. From West Coast universities to Southern stadiums to Midwest quads to local school gyms, my leis have been part of so many “I did it!” moments.

Your Turn

If you’ve worn or gifted a Sweet Leis Co. graduation lei, I’d love to know where it traveled. Did it reach your campus? Your kid’s school? Maybe even across the country?

Tag me in your photos or drop me a note. Every story helps me keep this lei travel diary growing.

Because wherever they go, these leis are more than ribbons and flowers. They’re milestones wrapped in love, ready to celebrate wherever life takes you.