The University of Nevada, Reno will again celebrate five cultural graduate celebrations. Organized through the Center for Student Cultural Diversity at the University, these celebrations are designed to recognize the cultures students brought with them to the University and shared during their time on campus.

Going into the fifth year, these celebrations complement rather than replace the traditional commencement ceremonies scheduled May 15 and 16. A 2013 Chronicle of Higher Education feature highlighted these University of Nevada, Reno events as leading a growing national trend on university campuses to celebrate the identities of various groups.

“For our students, cultural graduation ceremonies validate the culmination of academic achievement in an atmosphere of shared values, tradition and identity,” Sandra Rodriguez, director for ASUN student engagement and interim director for the Center for Student Cultural Diversity, said. “These ceremonies create a smaller, more intimate and familiar environment for students to share their success with family and friends.”

More than 250 students participated in these celebrations last year with an average of 1,270 people attending the five events. 

“A lot of work goes into making these events special for each and every student,” Elizabeth Sedano, a master’s degree student in educational leadership who attended the Latino Graduate Celebration as an undergraduate student at the University, said. “Students of all different backgrounds are encouraged to participate and attend these events as well. They’re a great opportunity to celebrate the various cultures we have here on campus.”

Below is a list of the celebrations by date:

American Indian/Alaska Native Graduate Celebration

2 p.m., Sunday, May 3, Joe Crowley Student Union Theatre

Latino Graduate Celebration

5:30 p.m., Friday, May 8, Milt Glick Ballroom, Joe Crowley Student Union

Asian American and Pacific Islander Graduate Celebration

6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 13, Joe Crowley Student Union Theatre

Black Graduate Celebration

5:30 p.m., Thursday, May 14, Milt Glick Ballroom, Ballroom A, Joe Crowley Student Union

View video from the Black Graduate Celebration.

Lavender Graduate Celebration (LGBTQIA)

6 p.m., Tuesday, May 12, Sheppard Contemporary Art Gallery, Church Fine Arts