Cultural Graduation Celebrations
OAMI's cultural graduation celebrations supplement the traditional U-M Commencement. They are held during graduation week to express appreciation for the achievements, commonalities, and cultural differences that characterize the experiences of our students.
![](https://oami.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/API-Grad-2023-144-e1694543962723.jpeg)
![](https://oami.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BlackCeleb-2023-119-e1694544046699.jpeg)
Started in 1994, the ceremony acknowledges the value and uniqueness of the African American experience and serves to commemorate the accomplishments of students, faculty, and staff. It marks a tradition of valuing our cultural offerings, not only to the University, but to the world.
![Three students in head scarves smile during the First-Gen graduation](https://oami.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/FirstGen-Celeb-2023-060-e1694544142861.jpeg)
University of Michigan’s First-Generation College Student @ Michigan student organization held its first graduation in 2009 in a professor's living room. Today, it is attended by hundreds of first-generation graduates and their families and loved ones.
![A Latinx student wears a mortarboard with colorful flowers on the top](https://oami.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/LaCeleb-2023-020-e1694544199370.jpeg)
In 2000, La Celeb began the tradition of celebrating and honoring the accomplishments of Latinx students, and the faculty, staff, and community members that helped them succeed.
![A student puts his hand to his chest as a show of respect after he receives his MENA stole](https://oami.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/MENA-2023-14-e1694544253269.jpeg)
The first ME/NA graduation was held in 2015 and continues to grow. The celebration acknowledges the accomplishments of the Middle Eastern and North African students.
![Two students in mortarboards and blankets smile during the Native Student Graduation](https://oami.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/NativeGrad-2023-44-e1694544325185.jpeg)
The ceremony acknowledges the value and uniqueness of the native student experience and commemorates the accomplishments of those students who participate in the celebration.
![Photo of an undocumented student at the podium during a graduation celebration](https://oami.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/UndocuGrad-2023-30-e1694544384700.jpeg)
Beginning in 2019, the celebration recognizes students with undocumented or DACA status. It is organized with the student organization, Student Community of Progressive Empowerment (SCOPE).