UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State students preparing to graduate this spring will have the opportunity to celebrate their achievements with their communities and supporters during a series of recognition ceremonies. Organized by students with support from staff in Student Affairs and other partners, these events provide an opportunity for students to come together in recognition of their academic accomplishments.
The celebrations will take place throughout the coming weeks:
APIDA (Asian Pacific Islander Desi American) Spring Festival – 1–4:30 p.m., Saturday, April 12, MLK Plaza and South Fraser Street, Downtown State College. Hosted in partnership with the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, State College Borough, the Pan APIDA Circle and the APIDA Caucus, this annual festival celebrates culture and community with performances, food, crafts and opportunity to learn about heritage.
Latinx Community Celebration – 6–8 p.m., Friday, April 18, Alumni Hall, HUB-Robeson Center. Students from the Latine community are invited to celebrate with a cultural gathering honoring heritage and graduating students. Students interested in participating can register online in advance.
Indigenous Peoples Community Celebration – 6–8 p.m., Monday, April 21, Heritage Hall, HUB-Robeson Center. Co-sponsored by the Indigenous Peoples Student Association and the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, this community gathering and celebration will feature keynote speaker Robert Odawi Porter and a performance by the Thunder Nation Singers. Students interested in participating can register is advance.
Lavender Recognition – 6–8 p.m., Friday, April 25, Alumni Hall, HUB-Robeson Center. This annual event, sponsored by the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, creates a welcoming environment to celebrate the achievements of Penn State’s LGBTQ+ graduating students and their allies prior to formal commencement ceremonies. Students interested in participating can register is advance.
Black Community Celebration – 6–8 p.m. Thursday, May 1, Heritage Hall, HUB-Robeson Center. Hosted by the Penn State Student Black Caucus, this annual recognition ceremony honors undergraduate and graduate students preparing to graduate alongside those that support them. Students interested in participating can register online in advance by March 28.
All Student Affairs events, including community recognitions and celebrations, are open to anyone who wishes to attend, regardless of their personal identities or affiliations. These gatherings serve as an inclusive space for the entire Penn State community to recognize and celebrate accomplishments of students.