In anticipation of the rapidly approaching spring commencement, the Multicultural Center plans to kick off this year's graduation ceremonies with several Affinity Graduate Celebrations taking place from May 8 to May 13, preceding the University’s official spring commencement ceremonies.
With respect to the diverse student body at the University of Nevada, Reno, the mission of these events is to honor the students who belong to various affinity groups which include MENA (Middle Eastern and North African), Indigenous, Lavender, Black, Latinx and Asian Pacific Islander groups. Family members, faculty and students are also invited to attend the series of events to show their support for the graduates’ achievements.
“By recognizing and honoring different cultural traditions and themes, the celebrations create spaces where students can feel proud of their heritage and share it with others,” stated student supervisor and upcoming graduate speaker Emily Thao-Singh. “These celebrations help foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity for students of diverse backgrounds.”
The Center has connected with multiple student leaders representing various communities to speak at these ceremonies as well. Graduating students will receive cords or stoles to honor their cultural identities and accomplishments at the University.
As the demand and popularity for these events increase, the University and The Center have no plans of stopping this tradition. The Center will continue to play a role in putting these events on each year, ensuring that the success of students belonging to affinity groups never goes unnoticed, and the spaces provided by the celebrations remain a space where students can feel proud of their identities and graduate with distinction and recognition.
The Affinity Graduate Celebrations are as follows:
- The Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Graduate Celebration will be held on Wednesday, May 8, and will take place at 6 p.m. in the JCSU Great Room.
- The Indigenous Graduate Celebration will be held Wednesday, May 8, and will take place at 6 p.m. in the JCSU Milt Glick Ballrooms.
- The Lavender Graduate Celebration will be held on Thursday, May 9, and will take place at 6 p.m. in the JCSU theatre.
- The Black Graduate Celebration will be held on Friday, May 10, and will take place at 6 p.m. in the JCSU Milt Glick Ballrooms.
- The Latinx Graduate Celebration will be held on Sunday, May 11, and will take place at 4 p.m. in the JCSU Milt Glick Ballrooms.
- The Asian and Pacific Islander Graduate Celebration will be held on Monday, May 13 and will take place at 6 p.m. in the JCSU Glick Ballrooms.
More information regarding the events can be found on the Center’s Instagram page @thecenternv.
