Affinity celebrations

Earning a degree is a significant achievement, not just for students but also for their families, friends, and the communities that have supported them along the way. The Multicultural Center hosts Affinity Celebrations to provide an opportunity for students to honor and celebrate with those who have helped them reach this milestone.

These celebrations create a welcoming space where families and loved ones are recognized, appreciated, and even invited to share the stage with their graduate. The event includes a meaningful program with keynote speakers, good food, and the presentation of a stole or cord to symbolize each student’s journey.

All students who applied for commencement will receive a separate email from The Multicultural Center with a link to RSVP. Students who do not receive a link are encouraged to reach out to us at thecenter@unr.edu.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to attend the event to celebrate with our students and their loved ones.

2025 Affinity Celebrations

Affinity ceremonies will be held at the Joe Crowley Student Union (JCSU).

May 02
Middle Eastern & North African Celebration 6:00 PM JCSU Great Room
A group of individuals wearing graduation attire and mortar boards listen to a speaker at the front of a room during a Middle Eastern & North African Graduation Celebration event.
May 05
Lavender Celebration 6:00 PM JCSU Theatre
A person seated at a Lavender Graduate Celebration wears a mortar boards that is decorated with the words "Proud of my BS."
May 06
Indigenous Celebration 6:00 PM JCSU Milt Glick Ballrooms
A graduating Indigenous student wearing a commencement sash stands with two people at the 2023 Indigenous Graduate celebration event.
May 08
Latinx Celebration 6:00 PM JCSU Milt Glick Ballrooms
People gather in a hallway with a person in the foreground wearing a decorated mortar board with United States and Mexico flags outside of a Latinx Graduate Celebration event.
May 12
Asian/Pacific Islander Celebration 6:00 PM JCSU Milt Glick Ballrooms
Individuals wearing graduation attire are seated at an Asian/Pacific Islander celebration event as they listen to a speaker at podium who is next to a projection screen with a title slide for the event and logos for the University and Joe Crowley Student Union.
May 13
Black Diaspora Celebration 6:00 PM JCSU Milt Glick Ballrooms
A group of graduating students dressed in graduation attire listen to a speaker during a Black Diaspora Graduation Celebration and watch images of graduating students on a projection screen at the front of the room.