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U-M Diversity: News & Events

Special Commencement Celebrations, April 2008

"The en masse celebration of commencement is an occasion to be remembered at U-M, but through these smaller events we seek to recognize the uniqueness of diverse groups, and to honor their academic success and contributions in a more personal way. All students at the celebrations participate in their respective commencements, and we are delighted that students, their families and friends take part in these special events."
—John Matlock, associate vice provost for academic affairs and director, Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI)

• Lavender Graduation, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. April 24th in the Michigan Union Pendleton Room. According to the Spectrum Center website, the ceremony has been held since 1995 "to honor lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students and to acknowledge their achievements and contributions to the University."
  
  
• La Celebración Latina, 8:00 p.m. April 25th at Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre. The program Web site said the celebration "is not only to recognize the achievements and cultural significance of the Latino community, but also to give incentive to future students to reach the ultimate goal of graduation."
  
  
• 14th Annual Black Celebratory, 7:30 p.m., April 26th at Hill Auditorium. According to the celebration Web site, the planning committee for the event "institutes this annual celebration to honor, respect and remember those from our past and present communities who could only dream of this opportunity. This ceremony marks a tradition of valuing our cultural offerings not only to the University but beyond, to the world community."
  
  
• Native American Student Association Graduation Celebration, 4:00 p.m. April 20th at Trotter Multicultural Center. Each graduate receives a Pendleton blanket, the traditional gift considered a great honor in their communities, to celebrate their successes. Photos of the 2008 Spring Graduation Reception.
  
  
• Rosalie Ginsberg Awards for Service and Social Action, April 11th, recognizing U-M and local partners for their commitments to community service and social action. See list of recipients.
  
  
• 29th Leadership Awards Ceremony, April 3rd, recognizing student leaders, organizations and programs. Information about this year's honorees.

Special graduation celebrations offer individualized recognition of diverse groups, April 18, 2008.