End of the Year Ceremonies

Photo of graduates from each ceremony

The End of the Year Ceremonies are the university’s cultural and identity-based recognitions.

These ceremonies center the cultural identities and backgrounds that our students hold. Each recognition program takes place in May and is designed to highlight the outstanding work our students have accomplished in the areas of service, academics, and leadership, while affirming the unique challenges and experiences they share.

Spring 2025 Graduation Volunteering

Volunteers who are staff, faculty, students, and alumni are being sought for the day of each ceremony. If you are interested, please contact the Cultural Centers' email <culturalcenters@usfca.edu>. Additionally, a signup sheet will be posted on this page in April 2025.

Spring 2025 Ceremonies

Registration Deadline for ALL Ceremonies is March 31, 2025
Register for your ceremonies of choice using the link below each respective ceremony you are interested in. Instructions on requesting a fee waiver to waive the cost of a ceremony are included in each registration. Participation in multiple ceremonies requires payment of only one ceremony.

Photo of all of the Lavender Commencement graduates

the 17th Annual USF Lavender Commencement (LGBTQIA+ graduation)

Ceremony Date: Friday, May 9, 2025 in McLaren Complex
Ceremony Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Reception: 8:00-8:30 p.m.

View our photos from the 2024 Lavender Commencement Ceremony.

Lavender Commencement honors graduating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer students through celebration and recognition among our chosen friends and families. The ceremony is a reflection of our community’s vitality and the accomplishments of USF’s graduating undergraduate and graduate students.

the 19th Annual USF Interwoven Ceremony (Asian Diaspora Commencement)

Ceremony Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025 in McLaren Complex
Ceremony Time: 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Reception: 3:30-4:30 p.m.

View our photos from the 2024 Interwoven Ceremony

The Interwoven Graduation Ceremony celebrates graduating students of the Asian diaspora and multiracial undergraduate and graduate students. Middle Eastern and North African students are still welcome to register for Interwoven as well. We understand that graduating students may want to participate in Interwoven as it has traditionally been the ceremony that celebrated Middle Eastern and North African students. This event honors their achievements in service, academics, and leadership, while fostering community. Guests can enjoy light bites, music, and cultural performances as part of the celebration.

the 1st Annual USF Barakaat Ceremony (Middle Eastern and North African Graduation)

Ceremony Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025 in McLaren Complex
Ceremony and Reception: 7:00-8:30 p.m.

This will be the first annual Barakaat Ceremony. The Barakaat Ceremony honors graduating Middle Eastern, North African, and multiracial undergraduate and graduate students. The ceremony celebrates their achievements, triumphs, and cultures while being surrounded by their friends and family. There will be light bites with tea, cultural performances, speakers, stoles, and awards.

The 2nd Annual Native & Indigenous Graduate Honoring ceremony

Ceremony Date: Monday, May 12, 2025 in Handlery Room, Lone Mountain 100
Ceremony and Reception Time: 1:00-2:30 p.m.

View photos from the 2024 ceremony.

USF's annual Native & Indigenous Graduate Honoring Ceremony is a celebration recognizing the accomplishments of our students who identify as Native American, First Nations, Alaska Native, and Indigenous to the North American continent more broadly. The ceremony and reception will honor indigenous traditions and provide individual recognition of each graduate.

the 25th Annual USF LatinE Recognition Ceremony

Ceremony Date: Monday, May 12, 2025
Ceremony Time: 5:00-6:30 p.m. in St. Ignatius Church
Reception: 6:45-8:00 p.m. in McLaren Complex

View our photos from the 2024 Latinx Recognition Ceremony.

The Latine Recognition Ceremony is intended to celebrate and recognize graduating Latine/o/x, Hispanic, Chicanx/@ and multiracial students. The ceremony honors not only their individual accomplishments in academics, service, and leadership, but also pays tribute to the collective victories and sacrifices as a community.

2022 Indigenous Peoples of Oceania Ceremony group photo

the 9th USF Annual Indigenous Peoples of Oceania Ceremony: Native Pacific Islander Graduation

Ceremony Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. in McLaren Complex

The Indigenous Peoples of Oceania Ceremony was created for graduating USF students who identify as Indigenous Oceanic, Native Pacific Islander, and Pasifika people to celebrate their visibility and representation in higher education.

The spring 2025 Indigenous Peoples of Oceania Ceremony will be an in-person ceremony. There will be performers and speakers from the Pasifika community to celebrate graduates. Family members, friends, and guests of graduates are recommended to bring a lei, signs, or gifts to share with your graduate. There will be a specific time during the event when attendees have time to honor graduates and share items brought for them.

Graduates that register for the ceremony will be invited to a private dinner with ceremony organizers a few days before the event. More information will be shared after registration.

the 29th Annual Vizuri Kabisa Ceremony (Black Commencement)

Ceremony Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Ceremony Time: 5:30-7:00 p.m. in St. Ignatius Church
Reception: 7:00-8:00 p.m. in McLaren Complex

View our photos from the 2024 Vizuri Kabisa Ceremony.

Vizuri Kabisa is Swahili for "excellence." Vizuri Kabisa is a recognition event that honors the academic and leadership achievements of graduating students who identify as Black, African, African American, and Multiracial.

STUDENT SPEAKERS

Each of the ceremonies feature student speakers in addition to keynote speakers, and we encourage graduating students who register as participants to complete the application form to be considered.

GALLERY OF PAST CEREMONY IMAGES

EYC Photos by the Cultural Centers

2023 Interwoven Ceremony Photos by SLE

2022 Indigenous Peoples of Oceania Ceremony
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