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. 

FALL 2024 Stole Sales

While we did not hold December identity-based graduation ceremonies, those students who graduate in December 2024 are welcomed to order a stole/s to wear at their December main graduation ceremony.

These stoles were the same or similar to those given to graduating students in the May ceremonies, and feature either a satin base or woven stole base. 

Sales for Fall 2024:

A link will be available to purchase stoles between November 4 - December 1, 2024. Stole cost is $30 each.
Pickup:

  • Pickup is from Monday, December 2 until Friday, December 6th from 9am-5pm, except for lunch break from 12-1pm.
  • Please allow 48 hours from the time of your purchase for the order to be ready for pick up.

Spring 2025 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 2024 Ceremonies

Native American style blanket design

the 1ST Annual Native & Indigenous Graduate Honoring ceremony

View photos from our ceremony.

Ceremony Date: Monday, May 13, 2024  in Handlery Room, Lone Mountain 100
Ceremony and Reception Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m.

USF's first 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. 

2023 Interwoven Ceremony group photo

the 18th Annual USF Interwoven Ceremony (Asian Diaspora Commencement) 

Ceremony Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024 in McLaren Complex
Ceremony Time: 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Reception: 3:30-4:30 p.m.

View our photos from the 2023 Interwoven Ceremony.

More photos from the 2nd photographer can be viewed here.

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.

Photo of all of the Lavender Commencement graduates

the 16th Annual USF Lavender Commencement (LGBTQIA+ graduation)

Ceremony Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024  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, 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.

2022 Latinx Recognition Ceremony group photo

the 24th Annual USF LatinE/x Recognition Ceremony

Ceremony Date: Monday, May 13, 2024
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/x 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 8th USF Annual Indigenous Peoples of Oceania Ceremony: Native Pacific Islander Graduation

Ceremony Date: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. in McLaren Complex

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.

2022 Vizuri Kabisa Ceremony group photo

the 28th Annual Vizuri Kabisa Ceremony (Black Commencement)

Ceremony Date: Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Ceremony Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m. in St. Ignatius Church
Reception: 7:30-8:30 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

2022 Lavender Commencement 

2022 Latinx Recognition Ceremony

2022 Indigenous Peoples of Oceania Ceremony 
**Password: a_hui_hou

2022 Vizuri Kabisa Ceremony

2022 Interwoven Ceremony