As spring commencement approaches the Multicultural Center plans to kick off this year's ceremonies with several Affinity Graduate Celebrations taking place from May 2 to May 13, preceding the University’s official spring commencement ceremonies. 

At the University of Nevada, Reno, these events celebrate the campus’s diverse student body by honoring graduates from a range of affinity groups, including MENA (Middle Eastern and North African), Indigenous, Lavender, Black, Latinx and Asian Pacific Islander communities. Family members, faculty and students are also invited to attend the series of events to show their support for the graduates’ achievements.  

"Affinity celebrations are important to the campus because they recognize that student achievement is shaped not only by academic effort but also by personal identity, community and lived experience. For many students, especially those from historically underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds, the journey through higher education often includes additional cultural, social and structural challenges. These celebrations acknowledge that reality and honor the resilience, persistence and growth that accompany their success. By recognizing these journeys, the campus reinforces that student identities are not separate from academic achievements but closely connected to it," Hadia Kalsoom, coordinator of Latinx student services, said.

The center has partnered with student leaders from across these communities to speak at the ceremonies. Scholars will also receive cords or stoles recognizing their cultural identities and achievements at the University.

As the demand and popularity of these events grow, the Multicultural Center will continue to help organize the celebrations each year, ensuring the achievements of students from affinity groups are recognized and that these spaces remain ones where students can take pride in 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 Saturday, May 2, at 6 p.m. in the JCSU Great Room. 

• The Lavendar Graduate Celebration will be held on Tuesday, May 5, at 6 p.m. in the JSCU Theatre.  

• The Indigenous Graduate Celebration will be held on Wednesday, May 6, at 6 p.m. in the JSCU Milt Glick Ballrooms.  

• The Latinx Graduate Celebration will be held on Friday, May 8, at 6 p.m. in the JSCU Milt Glick Ballrooms.  

• The Asian/Pacific Islander Graduate Celebration will be held on Tuesday, May 12, at 6 p.m. in the JSCU Milt Glick Ballrooms.  

• The Black Diaspora Graduate Celebration will be held on Wednesday, May 13, at 6 p.m. in the JSCU Milt Glick Ballrooms.  

More information regarding the events can be found on the Center’s Instagram page @thecenternv and the Multicultural Center Website.