UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Three Penn State student affinity- and identity-based organizations will host special graduation ceremonies in addition to the traditional Penn State graduation ceremony.
“Affinity and identity-based graduation ceremonies are student-led, staff supported events that aim to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of graduates from historically marginalized and underrepresented communities,” said Brian Patchcoski, assistant vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion for Student Affairs. “These events provide an opportunity for graduates to honor those who have helped them achieve their milestone while centering their cultural traditions and values.”
Details for each ceremony are below.
Latinx graduation
The Latino Caucus will host a Latinx Graduation ceremony at 6:30 p.m. April 20 in 233A HUB-Robeson Center. Doors will open at 6 p.m. This ceremony will celebrate the achievements of the members of the Latinx community and provide students with the opportunity to honor those who have supported them.
Latinx Graduation was held for the first time in spring 2019 and this is the first year it's been brought back. Students who registered to attend the ceremony by April 3 will receive a graduation stole.
"I think this event is important as the Latinx students are underrepresented on college campuses so highlighting our graduating Latinx seniors is a way for us to give back to the community," said Silvia Jahaira Martinez, executive vice president of Latino Caucus.
Black graduation
The Spring 2022 Hakkille Robing Ceremony (Black Graduation) is hosted by Penn State Black Caucus to recognize the achievements of people in the Black diaspora. The ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. May 4 in Heritage Hall. Students can register to attend, and receive a graduation stole, through April 22.
“This ceremony is important because it emphasizes the significance of Black accomplishments in insufficient conditions," said DeAndre Malcolm, president of Penn State Black Caucus. “This ceremony is a symbol of the passing of the torch to recognize our ancestors’ sacrifices and successes. Moreover, acknowledge the legacy left by Black students at Penn State.”
Black Caucus held its inaugural Black Graduation in 2019. The celebration was started by Rabiyatu Jalloh.
Lavender graduation
Hosted by the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, the 21st annual Lavender Graduation ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. April 22 in Heritage Hall. Students from any Penn State campus who have graduated the winter prior to the ceremony or will be graduating the spring, summer, or winter after the ceremony (December 2021-December 2022) and can register to attend online.
This annual celebration recognizes Penn State's LGBTQ+ students and acknowledges their achievements and contributions to the University. The ceremony includes recognition of scholarship awardees, campus awards, and significant supporters in the students’ lives. In recognition of their achievements, graduates receive a rainbow tassel, stole, and graduation certificate.
“These graduations provide the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of each participating student and those who have supported them. They also provide a moment to recognize each student’s ability to sustain and persist alongside other historical and systemic obstacles embedded within our communities, educational systems, and broader society,” Patchcoski said. “These celebrations allow our various communities to embrace each student for the contributions they have made and for the impact their actions, advocacy, and success has had and will have on our broader Penn State community.”