To help create a more inclusive campus environment and make sure all students are recognized and acknowledged for their contributions to the University, staff from Illinois State and the Division of Student Affairs helped plan three special graduation ceremonies this year.
In April and May, the University hosted its second annual Lavender Graduation, its first Nuestros Logros, and the fourth Umoja ceremony.
“The continued development of Umoja, Lavender Graduation, and Nuestros Logros embodies what it means to be a Redbird.” —Art Munin
The Lavender Graduation: Celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) and Allied Graduates ceremony was held Wednesday, April 13, in the Bone Student Center. Lavender Graduation ceremonies create a safe space for students in celebrating the completion of degrees and certificates with the support of families, faculty, and staff.
This ceremony provided a positive last experience for LGBT students and allies before they left Illinois State.
“It made me feel like I belonged to something way bigger than myself. It was an experience I’ll never forget,” said Ryland BeDell, Lavender Graduation participant and Illinois State graduate.
The Umoja Black Graduation Celebration was held May 5 in the Center for Performing Arts for all students graduating in 2016. Umoja, the Swahili word for unity, is a celebration born from the hearts and minds of African American students, faculty, alumni, and staff. The event served as a unifying symbol of perseverance in the recognition of a shared socio-cultural, political, and educational history.
Graduate and Umoja participant Jessica Newman said the ceremony celebrated “the bright future of our community despite the negative images we often times see in the mainstream media.” She was proud to participate in the event, proclaiming that it “exudes black excellence, opulence, and decadence all in one!”
With these ceremonies established over the last few years, the staff of Diversity Advocacy in the Dean of Students Office decided something should be done to recognize the Latino(a) community at Illinois State. To celebrate the accomplishments of Latino(a) graduates, Diversity Advocacy organized the first Nuestros Logros, which means “our achievements.” This ceremony was held April 17 in the Bone Student Center, where graduates, family, friends, and faculty and staff enjoyed Latino music and cuisine, and celebrated the culture of our students.
Many of the graduates acknowledged that taking part in these ceremonies not only helped them affirm their experiences at Illinois State, but also encouraged them to continue to stay involved with the University.
Yesenia Garcia, who participated in Nuestros Logros, said the ceremony “motivated me to stay connected as an alumna member of the ISU community.”
Ensuring that our graduates feel valued and stay connected to Illinois State continues to be an extremely important initiative for the University. These special graduation ceremonies serve as one way to accomplish both of these goals.
“The continued development of Umoja, Lavender Graduation, and Nuestros Logros embodies what it means to be a Redbird,” said Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Art Munin. “These ceremonies communicate clearly to students that they are valued and that we hope their relationship with ISU continues as they transition into proud alumni.”
For more information on these ceremonies, or becoming connected with the Division of Student Affairs, call (309) 438-5451.
The alternative graduations are a great addition to the commencement celebration. Unfortunately, at least one of the ceremonies was scheduled during a final examination for a night class. Care should be taken to prevent such conflicts in the future. Hosting the special graduation ceremonies on the Sunday of commencement weekend or the prior weekend would avoid the schedule conflict.