Cultural Graduation Celebration
The Cultural Graduation Celebrations acknowledge the value and uniqueness of underrepresented student experiences and commemorate the highlights of individuals within their familial and cultural context.
Hispanic Graduation Celebration Banquet
The purpose of this event is to celebrate the accomplishments of the Lamar University Hispanic students and ensure that they are recognized for their accomplishments.
Date: Tuesday December 6, 2022
Location: Shelia Umphrey Recreation Center
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Attire: Business/Smart casual
Lavender Award Luncheon
The purpose of this event is to honor the achievements of graduating LGBTQIA+ students and allies for leadership, academics, and service. This event is co-hosted by the LU LGBTQ Initiatives Committee.
Date: Wednesday December 7, 2022
Location: Setzer Student Center Live Oak Ballroom B
Time: 12 p.m.
Attire: Business/Smart casual
Asian/International Student Graduation Celebration
The purpose of this event is to recognize the many achievements of Lamar’s international students and student leaders.
Date: Wednesday December 7, 2002
Location: Shelia Umphrey Recreation Center
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Attire: Business/Smart casual
First Generation Student Cording Reception
Purpose: The purpose of this inaugural event is to honor Lamar University undergraduate and graduate first-generation students (definition: first in your family to receive a college degree) who will graduate in December 2022. This event is co-hosted by LU First Gen Forward Work Group and co-sponsored by the McNair Scholars program.
Date: Thursday December 8, 2022
Location: Setzer Student Center Live Oak Ballroom B
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Attire: Business/Smart casual
Rites of Passage
The purpose of this event is to celebrate Lamar University Black/African American decent graduation candidates for persistence and honor their cultural heritage and history.
Date: Thursday December 8, 2022
Location: Setzer Student Center Live Oak Ballroom B
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Attire: Graduation Candidates please wear all black (Business/Smart casual)
Cultural Stoles
At each event, graduation candidates will receive a free stole or cord.
Kente
The Kente stole, presented to Black, African American and African decent graduation candidates, is adapted from African traditions in Ghana. This woven scarf like garment was once only worn by royalty. The diamond denotes prosperity, key to success, and the Asante seat of leadership. The colors of the cloth each hold symbolism: gold=status/serenity, yellow=fertility, green=renewal, red=passion, black=union with ancestors/spiritual awareness.
AAPI
The Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) stole is red and white to represent Lamar University's hopes of being inclusive to all cultures and ethnicities within the AAPI and International community.
LGBTQ
LGBTQ-The handwoven blue background stole displays triangles and seven colors of the classic LGBTQ flag. In order: red represents life, orange; healing, yellow; sunlight, green; serenity with nature, turquoise; art, indigo blue; harmony, and violet; spirit. The pink triangle is a symbol of pride, solidarity, and LGBTQ dignity.
Hispanic
The Lamar University Hispanic stoles are printed on satin red cloth, with a black border, interlocking LU symbol, and "HISPANO" printed along one side. This symbolizes the students and their families celebrating academic accomplishments.
