Vanderbilt’s graduating seniors are encouraged to participate in this year’s Graduate Recognition Ceremonies for specific identity groups as part of the university’s 2023 Commencement celebrations.
The Student Center for Social Justice and Identity and identity centers and initiatives within the Vice Chancellor’s Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion are organizing virtual and in-person events throughout the week of May 8.
These ceremonies are an opportunity to recognize and congratulate the graduates and their families and communities for their continued support of and dedication to the scholars’ academic journeys and achievements.
Below is a list of the 2023 Graduate Recognition Ceremonies and links to their RSVP forms. Graduating seniors who are part of the listed identity groups are invited to attend the virtual and in-person ceremonies.
2023 identity-based graduation ceremonies and receptions are below:
- Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Graduates Recognition Reception, combined ceremony for students associated with InclusAbility, MilitaryVU, Network First-Gen and PersistVU
- May 1, 6–8 p.m., Student Life Center, Board of Trustees Room
- RSVP here by April 16
- Lavender Celebration
- May 4, 5–7 p.m., Community Event Space
- RSVP here by April 8
- VUGlobalCitizens Graduates Recognition Ceremony
- May 5, 5–7 p.m., Sarratt Cinema and Gallery
- RSVP here by April 14
- Asian Pacific Islanders Desi Americans (APIDA) Graduates Recognition Ceremony
- May 10, 5–7 p.m., Student Life Center Ballroom
- RSVP here by April 16
- Native & Indigenous Graduates Recognition Ceremony
- Breakfast Reception: May 11, 8–9 a.m., Student Life Center Board of Trust Room
- Ceremony: May 11, 9–10:30 a.m., Student Life Center Ballroom A
- RSVP here by 11:59 p.m. on April 16
- Latinx Graduates Recognition Ceremony
- May 11, 1–4:30 p.m., Student Life Center Ballroom
- RSVP here by 11:59 p.m. on April 29
- Posse Scholars Graduation
- May 11, 3–5 p.m., Community Event Space
- Email Linzie Treadway for more information
- Black Graduates’ Recognition Ceremony
- May 11, 7–9 p.m., Langford Auditorium
- Contact the Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center for more information