Kean Celebrates Diversity with Cultural Graduation Events
Kean University will celebrate the diverse identities and cultural heritage of the Class of 2024 with a series of cultural graduation events, including the newest, ¡Celebrando Graduación Juntos! - Celebrating Graduation Together! for students of Hispanic and Latino descent.
The pre-commencement events, which also include the African Heritage Graduation Ceremony, and the Lavender Graduation recognizing LGBTQ+ and QTPOC students and their allies, let Kean students express pride in their accomplishments as they celebrate their identities and heritage.
“Kean’s cultural graduation ceremonies underscore the importance of academic achievement in our community, as well as the unique challenges and experiences faced by students from diverse backgrounds,” said Erin Lester, assistant director of Kean’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Kean students earning a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree may register for any of the celebrations, which occur prior to Kean Commencement. Commencement is Tuesday, May 14 for graduate students and Thursday, May 16 for undergraduates.
The newest event, ¡Celebrando Graduación Juntos! – Celebrating Graduation Together!, will be bilingual and recognize students who identify as Latino/a, Hispanic, Latinx, Latine or Persons of Color.
“As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, Kean is committed to inclusivity and recognizing the diverse backgrounds of our students' heritage. The addition of the new cultural graduation ceremony reflects that commitment,” Lester said.
The cultural graduations are free to attend, but graduates must register in advance.
Details are as follows:
Lavender Graduation
Friday, April 19
4:30 p.m., Miron Student Center Rm. 228
Lavender Graduation provides a space for LGBTQ+ and QTPOC students, as well as their allies, to come together and honor their successes in an inclusive and supportive environment.
Register by Friday, April 5.
¡Celebrando Graduación Juntos! – Celebrating Graduation Together!, Friday, April 26
4:30 pm., Wilkins Theatre
Our first annual ¡Celebrando Graduación Juntos! – Celebrating Graduation Together! recognizes students who identify as Latino/a, Hispanic, Latinx, Latine or Person of Color. This bilingual program will acknowledge the role of lineage, cultura and networks of support in the graduates' success.
Register by Friday, April 5.
37th Annual African Heritage Graduation Ceremony
Saturday, May 4
4 p.m., Wilkins Theatre
The African Heritage Graduation Ceremony is a celebration to honor students of African descent and recognizes people of the Pan-African diaspora who identify as being from a country in Africa, African American, Black, Caribbean, Hispanic/Latinx or a Person of Color. Additional information can be found here.
Register by Friday, April 19.
To volunteer at the events by welcoming attendees, assisting with check in, ushering families and helping with other duties, please contact the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at dei@kean.edu.