News

The Inclusive Excellence, Education and Development Hub (The Hub) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville hosted five special celebrations to honor graduates representing various historically minoritized populations during the week of Dec. 5-9, ahead of the University’s fall 2022 commencement exercises being held Friday-Saturday, Dec. 16-17.

SIUE recognized graduates who identify as Hispanic/Latinx, Black, Asian American, Pacific Islander (AAPI), LBTQIA+ and non-traditional during the week of celebrations. The pre-commencement ceremonies celebrated the extraordinary achievements made by these students.

“It is an honor for The Hub to celebrate students at events such as this,” said Lindy Wagner, assistant vice chancellor for Inclusive Excellence, Education and Development. “It is our responsibility to ensure students feel connected, have a sense of belonging, and know they are a part of a community here at SIUE. What better way to do that than by honoring and celebrating them for their achievements.”

The ceremonies were originated by the Kimmel Student Involvement Center, the Student Opportunities for Academic Results (SOAR) Office and the SIUE Safe Zone program. The groups continue to support the events alongside The Hub.

“We know that each student has a unique journey and has encountered a variety of moments in their college experience that have brought them to this moment,” Wagner added. “We also know that some of those may have been challenges and obstacles. Additionally, many of our students were able to participate in multiple graduation celebrations because we know our students don’t exist with one singular identity. Our goal is to show students that we see them for all that they are, all that they have been through to make it to graduation, and all that they will be as they journey from SIUE student to alumnus. We are privileged they celebrate with us.”

Photo: SIUE held Hispanic/Latinx, LGBTQIA+, Black, AAPI and non-traditional graduation ceremonies.