Cultural Graduation Celebrations
Faculty Academic Procession Registration
For many historically underserved students, graduating from college signifies success not only for themselves but also for their families and communities. The Office of Institutional Equity and Belonging recognizes the importance of this milestone.
Cultural Graduation Celebrations allow students to publicly thank those who supported them and to honor the ways they have overcome barriers within higher education. These celebrations affirm the diverse paths to academic success and complement, rather than replace, the university’s formal commencement ceremonies.
Rainbow Graduation
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. | Ballrooms B, C, D
Rainbow Graduation celebrates the strength, visibility, and pride of SSU’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) graduating students. The ceremony uplifts the stories and resilience of queer and trans students who have persisted and thrived in higher education while embracing their full identities. It is a joyful affirmation of love, authenticity, and community.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Graduation
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 4:00–5:00 p.m. | Ballrooms B, C, D
The AANHPI Graduation Celebration honors the diverse heritages, histories, and achievements of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander graduating students. Rooted in cultural pride and collective resilience, this ceremony celebrates the beauty of multilingual, multiethnic, and multinational identities across the Asian and Pacific diasporas.
We acknowledge that the term AANHPI is limited in capturing the full breadth of our communities. It includes, but is not limited to, Pacific Islander, South Asian, Southeast Asian, Desi, Desi American, Southwest Asian, Asian, Asian American, Multiracial, Multi-ethnic, Multinational, and Transnational Adoptee identities.
Raza Graduation
Thursday, May 14, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 p.m. | Green Music Center
Raza Graduation is a vibrant, bilingual celebration that honors the cultural pride, unity, and perseverance of Chicanx, Hispanic, Indigenous, and Latinx students. The ceremony embraces cultural traditions, music, and language as symbols of strength and resistance, highlighting academic achievement and collective empowerment.
Native American and Indigenous Graduation
Friday, May 15, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. | Arbor Lakes
The Native American and Indigenous (NAI) Graduation Celebration honors the achievements of Indigenous students whose educational journeys are rooted in ancestral strength, community, and connection to land. The ceremony recognizes the presence and contributions of Native students, staff, and faculty at SSU and celebrates the continuation of Indigenous knowledge, leadership, and sovereignty through education.
We welcome all students who identify as Native American, American Indian, and/or Indigenous, including but not limited to Alaska Native, Indigenous Hawaiian, and Indigenous Latinx.
Black Graduation
Friday, May 15, 2026 | 4:00–5:00 p.m. | Person Theatre
Black Graduation celebrates the brilliance, resilience, and unapologetic joy of SSU’s Black student community. The ceremony honors the beauty and diversity of the African Diaspora, uplifting the power of collective achievement, self-determination, and cultural pride. It is a space of affirmation and celebration for Black excellence in all its forms.