International Student Graduation Celebration: April 13
All through April we are celebrating our 2024 Pitt grads! While the university-wide commencement is on April 28, on April 13, undergraduate, graduate, and professional International students can come together to celebrate their achievements at the International Student Graduation Celebration. Amanda Price, a Graduate Student Intern for the Office of Inclusion and Belonging, is helping organize this event geared towards creating space for International Students to celebrate graduation that honors the courage and bravery of not only choosing to study in the U.S., but completing a degree, of any level, as an international student.
“Throughout my time in the Higher Education program, I have focused on how universities can create a strong sense of belonging for their students. Guided by my supervisor, Kyoungah Lee from the Office of Inclusion and Belonging, I have been able to apply that to the international student community. Planning this celebration felt like a great way to not just show international students that they belong on campus, but that we value and celebrate everything international students bring to campus to make Pitt a stronger community.”
At the celebration, a few student speakers will share their testimonies about their journey to graduation at Pitt, and aside from the formal celebration, it will be an opportunity for students to mingle, share stories, and make new connections. More information on the celebration can be found through the Office of Inclusion and Belonging social media (@pittoib) or on the University Calendar.
Lavender Graduation: April 25
Panthers in the LGBTQIA+ community across all Pitt campuses can come together to celebrate their achievements at Lavender Graduation. Louis Deemer, an immigration specialist at the Office of International Students, is helping organize this amazing event.
“I wasn't able to participate in Lavender Graduation when I was a student though it would have been very meaningful to me. I like to help with Lavender Graduation to help be a part of a significant celebration that recognizes the unique challenges and achievements of our LGBTQIA+ graduates. I want to make things better for the generation of LGBTQIA+ folks coming up after me, and I want them to have things that I didn't. As someone who does not come from a family who recognizes or affirms my identities, I know first hand that these events can be a critical moment of community and support.”
Having a place of specific recognition of the unique experiences of LGBTQIA+ graduates is important, especially when some graduates may not be able to celebrate authentically at their large-scale graduation events if they are not out to their family. The purpose of Lavender Graduation is to carve out a safe space for peace, authenticity, joy, and to party showing up as nothing but your true self. When asked what they’re most excited for in the ceremony, Louis said:
“I am most looking forward to reading the names of the graduates as they cross the stage to receive their Lavender Cords. Names are precious; within each of them there are stories of resilience and creativity and strength. It's my honor to speak them.”
Click here to find more information on Lavender Graduation and register, you can visit or reach out to oib@pitt.edu with specific questions.
Latinx Graduation: April 26
Help us celebrate the graduation of our Latinx Panthers on Friday, April 26 at 6 p.m. in the O'Hara Student Center Ballroom! Join the Pitt community, family, friends, and fellow students to celebrate this exciting occasion. Click here to learn more and to register.
The Gathering: April 27
Undergraduate, graduate, and professional Students of Color are invited to come together to celebrate their achievements at The Gathering! Sherdina Harper, the Assistant Director of B.I.P.O.C. and LGBTQIA Student Engagement, is helping organize this amazing event, with the aim to create a more inclusive, supportive, and educational environment where Students of Color feel seen, heard, and valued.
“I want to send a powerful message to Students of Color that their achievements are valued and worthy of celebration. By empowering a sense of pride and confidence, reinforcing the belief that they have the ability to succeed despite any obstacles they may face.”
The Gathering graduation provides a space where Students of Color can celebrate not only their culture, but their achievements in an environment that recognizes and honors their unique experiences and struggles. In planning it, Sherdina is collaborating with Pitt alumni, other departments and colleagues across the campus to better understand the importance of solidarity in developing this valuable program. For students unsure if they should come to The Gathering, Sherdina says:
“The Gathering graduation provides an opportunity to highlight and celebrate YOUR accomplishments in a more personalized and culturally relevant way. This celebration has YOU in mind from the time you process in the room receive your stoles until you leave. IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!!”
To find more information on The Gathering and how to register, you can click here.