End of the Year Ceremonies
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 2023 REGISTRATION information
Participating graduates are encouraged to invite their family and friends to celebrate with their graduates for our celebrations that are planned to be in-person this spring 2023.
Registered graduates will receive a stole and be recognized within an in-person ceremony. If there is a need to move the ceremony from in-person to virtual, registered attendees will be notified.
Registration for these ceremonies for guests and graduates are separate from the main university commencement.
Spring 2023 Recognitions
the 15th Annual USF Lavender Commencement (LGBTQIA+ graduation)
Ceremony Date: Friday, May 12, 2023 in McLaren Complex, USF Campus
Ceremony Time: 7:00-7:45 p.m.
Reception: 7:45-8:30 p.m.
Lavender Commencement honors graduating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer students, including those who identify across the gender and sexuality spectrums (LGBTQIA+), through celebration, keepsakes, and stoles. The ceremony is a reflection of our community’s vitality and the accomplishments of USF’s graduating undergraduate and graduate students.
the 23RD Annual USF Latinx Recognition Ceremony
Ceremony Date: Monday, May 15, 2023 in St. Ignatius Church, USF Campus
Ceremony Time: 5:00-6:45 p.m.
Reception: 6:45-8:00 p.m. in McLaren Complex
The Latinx Recognition Ceremony is intended to celebrate and recognize graduating Latinx/o/e, 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.
the 7th USF Annual Indigenous Peoples of Oceania Ceremony: Native Pacific Islander Graduation
Ceremony Date: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. in McLaren Complex, USF Campus
The Indigenous Peoples of Oceania Ceremony was created for graduating students who identify as Indigenous Oceanic, Native Pacific Islander, and Pasifika people to celebrate their visibility and representation in higher education.
the 27th Annual Vizuri Kabisa Ceremony (Black Commencement)
Ceremony Date: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 in St. Ignatius Church
Ceremony Time: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Reception: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
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.
the 17th Annual USF Interwoven Ceremony (Asian & Asian American Commencement)
Ceremony Date: Sunday May 14, 2023 in McLaren Complex
Ceremony Time: 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Reception: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
The Interwoven Graduation Ceremony honors graduating Asian, Asian American, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Multiracial undergraduate and graduate students. This event is designed to highlight the outstanding work our graduating students have accomplished in the areas of service, academics, and leadership while affirming the unique challenges and experiences they share.
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
2022 Latinx Recognition Ceremony
2022 Indigenous Peoples of Oceania Ceremony
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FALL 2022 stole sales
While we do not hold December identity-based graduation ceremonies, those students who graduate in December 2022 are welcome to order a stole/s to wear at their December main graduation ceremony.
These stoles are the same or similar to those given to graduating students in the May ceremonies, and feature either a satin base or woven stole base. We sell them for approximately the same cost that we pay to have them made, $25.
Sales for Fall 2022:
Purchase between November 7 - December 2, 2022
Pickup between November 28 - December 2, 2022
In addition, December graduates may participate in the upcoming May 2023 ceremonies. Registration for the ceremonies will take place at the beginning of February with links available on this page. May graduates should NOT purchase a stole during this Fall sales period.