April 4th, 2024
Duke University boasts a diverse community, and as the academic year comes to a close, it’s time to honor the achievements and journeys of its graduating students. The university hosts a series of graduation ceremonies, each with its own unique significance and purpose.
First up is Lavender Graduation, a heartfelt celebration that recognizes the accomplishments of LGBTQIA+ and ally undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. At this ceremony, participants receive a rainbow tassel, certificate, and a special gift from the Duke LGBTQ Network. It’s not just a farewell to Duke; it’s a beacon of inspiration for future generations. This year’s Lavender Graduation will take place in the Ruby Lounge at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 11th. Click here to RSVP and join the celebration!
Next, Multicultural Graduation shines a spotlight on the achievements of graduating students of color. This large-scale event brings together students, faculty, staff, family, and community members to honor the accomplishments of each graduating class. Final Honors, a cherished tradition since 1993, provides a space for shared experiences and heritage preservation, with invited speakers offering words of wisdom. This year’s Multicultural Graduation will take place in the Penn Pavilion at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 18th. Click here to RSVP and join the celebration!
Final Honors, a cherished tradition since 1993 hosted by the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture, provides graduating students, their peers, families, and guests the opportunity to commemorate their shared experiences and preserve their heritage within the Duke community. This event, held at 5:00 p.m. on April 26th at Penn Pavilion, features words of wisdom from invited speakers and bids farewell to the traditional Sankofa carving, followed by a reception. Click the link here to RSVP and participate in the celebration.
The Celebration of Muslim Graduates, hosted by the Center for Muslim Life, marks the successful completion of degree programs by Muslim undergraduate and graduate/professional students. It’s a moment of closure, bidding farewell to familiar surroundings and embracing new beginnings with excitement. This year’s Celebration of Muslim Graduates will take place in the Penn Pavilion at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 27th. Click here to RSVP and join the celebration.
Join us on Thursday, May 9th, as we celebrate the achievements of our international student graduates at the Duke International Student Center’s Graduation Brunch. Taking place at 10:00 a.m. in Smith Warehouse Bay 5, this event is a special opportunity to honor the accomplishments of our international student community. Come together with fellow graduates, faculty, staff, and friends to enjoy a delicious brunch and commemorate this significant milestone in your academic journey. Follow the link here to RSVP and celebrate with the international community.
Lastly, Jewish Life at Duke hosts a special baccalaureate ceremony for Jewish seniors and their families at the Freeman Center for Jewish Life. This annual event, which traces its roots back to a walk-out protest in 1983, recognizes the contributions of graduating students to Duke’s Jewish community, offering blessings, remarks, and gifts. This year’s Jewish Baccalaureate Ceremony will take place in the Freeman Center for Jewish Life at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 10th. Click here to RSVP and join the celebration!
As each graduation ceremony approaches, the Duke community comes together to celebrate the diverse journeys and achievements of its graduating students, bidding them farewell and wishing them well on their future endeavors.
Whether you’re in Durham or celebrating from afar, we invite you to join us in commemorating the achievements of our graduating students at these special in-person ceremonies. Don’t forget to RSVP to secure your spot at these celebratory events! And for those celebrating from a distance, we encourage you to share your Duke graduation moments on social media. Tag @dukestudentaffairs for a chance to be featured leading up to graduation day. Your participation not only honors the accomplishments of our graduates but also reaffirms that the Duke community extends far beyond graduation day.