SIUE Hosts Graduation Celebrations Leading Up to Commencement
Leading up to its May 2020 commencement ceremonies, held virtually on Saturday, May 9, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville hosted an array of specialized graduation celebrations online through its Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI).
The annual events launched Monday, May 4 with the Latinx Graduation Celebration. The Black Graduation Celebration was held Tuesday, May 5. Wednesday, May 6 featured the Rainbow Graduation, and on Thursday, May 7 the Non-Traditional Graduation Celebration was held.
“It was important to continue to have a version of these annual celebrations, because despite there being a pandemic, these students have overcome challenges and worked hard to achieve their goals,” said CSDI Director Lindy Wagner. “These students potentially encounter a variety of societal and structural barriers in their everyday experiences. Each persevered to complete their degree. We were glad to honor and celebrate their significant accomplishments!”
Each celebration included a pre-recorded video where Wagner shared context for the ceremony, a short message and a reading of participating students’ names.
Online program booklets also included the names of all students who registered and their photo, degree program, involvement activities and messages of thanks. Each booklet featured a message from Chancellor Dr. Randy Pembrook and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Jeffrey Waple.
Additionally, Dr. Earleen Patterson, director of the Student Opportunities for Academic Results (SOAR), shared a special message during the Black Graduation Ceremony. Nick Niemerg, assistant director of Constituent Relations in the SIUE Foundation Office of Alumni Affairs, addressed Rainbow Graduation participants.
“Institutions across the country offered various versions of virtual graduations,” Wagner said. “We at SIUE were happy to do our part to make sure students know we were thinking of them and wishing them all the best on the next steps of their journey.”
Photo: SIUE hosted an array of specialized graduation celebrations online through its Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion.