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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The ceremony acknowledges the value and uniqueness of the native student experience and commemorates the accomplishments of those students who participate in the celebration.
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).