Graduate recognition ceremonies allow students to celebrate accomplishments and successes. Separate from the traditional commencement ceremonies, these events create a unique space that celebrates the completion of degrees and certificates to graduates with the support of families, friends, faculty, and staff.

In the face of unprecedented events, all of the recognition ceremonies are finding new ways to celebrate.

Students can still register for their respective “ceremony” and receive a combination of the following: a commemorative video with encouragement from students and elders in their communities, a photo/video collage of 2020 graduates, public recognition on the Diversity Advocacy website, social media acknowledgement, and a future mailing of their stole and commemorative gift. Registration links are below:

Lavender Graduation is a celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and ace-identified graduates. Registration is available here.

MAPS is a celebration of Middle Eastern, Asian, Pacific Islander, and Southeast Asian graduates. Registration is available here.

Nuestros Logros is a celebration of Latinx graduates. Registration is available here.

Umoja, planned by the Umoja Community Forum, uplifts, amplifies, and honors blackness and community at Illinois State University. Umoja planners have announced the ceremony will be moving online. Students, alumni, faculty, and community members who support Umoja can offer ideas at umojacommunityforum@gmail.com.