Graduation Ceremonies
UMOJA
Presenting kente cloths to graduates of African descent has become a tradition at UF since the first UMOJA celebration began in the Spring of 1994. "Umoja" is a Swahili word which means one or unity. Since that first ceremony, the UMOJA Celebration has become a mainstay at the University of Florida and one of BSU's most highly anticipated events. For additional information about theUmoja Celebration, please contact the BSU President or the BSU Advisor, Dr. Betty Stewart-Dowdell, at Email: dowdell@oasis.ufl.edu
Celebrations: Multicultural Graduation Ceremony
The Institute of Hispanic Latino Cultures and Asian Pacific American Affairs host Celebrations Graduation Ceremony every semester in order to celebrate the accomplishments of our Hispanic-Latino, Asian/Asian American, and American Indian graduates and promote unity.
Lavender Graduation
The concept originated at the University of Michigan in 1995 and was the creation of Dr. Ronni Sanlo ( UF alum and currently the director of UCLA LGBT Campus Resource Center in Los Angeles, CA). By 1997 several other campuses had initiated their own Lavender Graduations and by 1999 there were such celebrations at 18 other institutions. Since LGBT students cross all lines of race, nationality, ethnicity, gender, ability, and socioeconomics, this special celebration provides unique multiple opportunities to present a truly multicultural event while acknowledging a population of students who often succumb to the plight of invisibility on their campus. In May 2002, UF held i's first Lavender Graduation to recognize and honor graduating members of the LGBT and ally community. Lavender Graduation is a cultural celebration that recognizes LGBT students of all races and ethnicities and acknowledges their achievement and contributions to the university.