IUPUI has a long history of affinity groups whose missions serve faculty, staff, students and alumni. Many of these groups were formed in response to needs expressed by diverse student populations and thus are attuned to matters of social justice.
To continue that tradition of embracing diversity on campus, IUPUI will celebrate with six specialty affinity ceremonies, beginning this week. These affinity graduation ceremonies -- special celebrations for graduates who identify with a particular culture or group -- have their own unique traditions and rituals, but they all reflect IUPUI's commitment to embracing diversity and creating a welcoming campus.
The affinity commencement ceremonies are as follows:

U.S. Service Members Graduation Celebration
April 26: 6 p.m., by invitation only, Indiana War Memorial
In its ninth year, this formal dinner celebrates the educational achievements of our U.S. service members by providing them with distinctive red, white and blue cords to wear at commencement. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana University

Native American Graduation Celebration
April 29: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Taylor Hall, UC 104
Held on the last full moon of the academic year, the Long Moon Month celebration recognizes the accomplishments of graduating students and celebrates the end of the school year for continuing students. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana University

Lavender Graduation
May 1: 5 p.m., Campus Center, CE 450B
The Lavender Graduation ceremony is IUPUI's cultural celebration of graduating LGBTQ+ undergraduate, graduate and professional students. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana University

Asian/AAPI Graduation
May 5: 6 p.m., Campus Center Theater
Last year marked the first Asian Student Graduation. About 30 graduates participated in the event. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana University

Latinx Graduation Celebration
May 8: 6 p.m., Campus Center Theater
Hosted by the Latino Faculty and Staff Council, the Latinx Graduation Celebration is unique among IUPUI's affinity graduations because it is conducted in two languages, English and Spanish. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana University

Black Graduation
May 9: 3:30-5:30 p.m., Indiana Convention Center, Hall D
IUPUI's oldest and largest affinity graduation was started by the Black Faculty and Staff Council in 2005 to recognize the accomplishments of graduates of African descent. Photo by Eric Rudd, Indiana University