cultural graduate celebrations
Cultural Graduate Celebrations
For many first generation, historically underrepresented, or traditionally marginalized students, a college diploma signifies success not only for themselves but also for their family. The Intercultural Center recognizes the importance of this milestone by offering a more intimate ceremony for the following student groups: Asian Pacific American, Black, Latino, and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning/Queer, Intersex, and Allies (LGBTQIA).
In comparison to the campus-wide Commencement Ceremony, the cultural graduate celebrations provide a personal setting for students to share the challenges and triumphs of their college journey with family, friends, and the Saint Mary's community. Students have the opportunity to publicly acknowledge the people who helped them reach their goals. They may also select one or two special people to present them with their graduation sash or tassel during the celebration.
Events like these often unite members of the community to support one another and to validate the different experiences and paths that lead to academic success. Any graduating Saint Mary’s student who self-identifies or feels a close connection to any one of these student populations is welcome to participate. As meaningful as the cultural graduate celebrations are to the individual, these ceremonies also symbolize the importance of breaking barriers within higher education for historically underrepresented or traditionally marginalized groups.
Third Annual Lavender Graduate Celebration
Thursday, May 14, 2009 from 5 pm to 7 pm
Intercultural Center (Delphine Lounge)
Eighth Annual Asian Pacific American Graduate Celebration
Saturday, May 16, 2009 from 10 am to 12 pm
Intercultural Center (Delphine Lounge)
Fourteenth Annual Black Graduate Celebration
Thursday, May 21, 2009 from 6 pm to 9 pm
Ceremony in LeFevre Theatre & Reception in the Intercultural Center (Delphine Lounge)
Twelfth Annual Latino Graduate Celebration
Friday, May 22, 2009 from 9 am to 2 pm [Commencement Rehearsal from12 to1 pm]
Ceremony in the Chapel & Reception in Ferroggiaro Quad
In order to participate in one of these celebrations, graduating seniors must register through the Intercultural Center before 5 pm on Wednesday, April 15, 2009.
Participants, as well as graduating seniors who are not participating, may purchase cultural graduation sashes and rainbow tassels through the Intercultural Center. Payment must be made by Wednesday, April 15, 2009.
Registration and Order Forms will be available at the Graduation Fair (March 3-4, 2009) and in the Intercultural Center (Delphine Loft) starting March 3, 2009.
