As commencement is approaching, Illinois State wants to make sure all students are recognized and acknowledged for their contributions to the University. This year, the University will host its third annual Lavender Graduation, its second annual Nuestros Logros, its fifth annual Umoja ceremony, and its first MAPS ceremony.
This year Illinois State presents MAPS, a celebration of Middle Eastern, Asian, Pacific Islander, and Southeast Asian students. This ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 7, from 1–3 p.m. in the Circus Room of the Bone Student Center. “The committee and I are looking forward to bringing this ceremony to campus for the first year,” said Diversity Advocacy Graduate Assistant Tiffany Fulford. “We are excited to recognize their accomplishments and add to their earned celebrations.”
In order to celebrate the achievements of the Latino community at Illinois State, Diversity Advocacy has organized Nuestros Logros, which means “our achievements.” This ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 7, from 4–6 p.m. in the Prairie Room of the Bone Student Center. Family and friends of the graduates are welcome to come and enjoy Latino music and cuisine, and celebrate the culture of our students. For more information and to register, visit the Nuestros Logros Facebook page.
The Lavender Graduation: Celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ), and Allied Graduates ceremony will take place on Wednesday, May 10, from 6–8 p.m. in the Prairie Room of the Bone Student Center. This ceremony provides a positive last experience for LGBTQ students and allies before they leave Illinois State. Registration for the event is now open and must be completed to participate. For any questions about the event, please contact the ISU Lavender Graduation Committee or visit its Facebook page.
For more information about any of these programs, please contact Diversity Advocacy at (309) 438-8968.
Also part of the graduation recognition ceremonies will be the Umoja Black Graduation Celebration on Thursday, May 11, in the Center for Performing Arts. This celebration, which is organized by the Umoja Steering Committee, was born from the hearts and minds of African-American students, faculty, alumni, and staff. Please visit the Umoja site for further information.
