Black Graduation Ceremony The Black Student Union’s Annual Black Graduation Ceremony is a celebration that is meant to acknowledge and honor graduates who are part of the African Diaspora for their achievements and accomplishments in completing their degrees. The Black Student Union will host the seventh annual Black Graduation Ceremony on Friday, April 18, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. in the University Commons Ballrooms B/C. All graduating undergraduate and graduate students who would like to receive a complimentary cord to wear with graduation regalia are invited to attend. Follow the Black Student Union on Instagram for more details and information: @willyp_bsu. If you have any questions, contact Myranda Louis Jean, Director for Student Diversity and Inclusion, at louisjeanm@wpunj.edu or BSU Executive Chairperson Jahki Mathis at mathisj3@student.wpunj.edu. Veterans Graduate Recognition Ceremony The annual recognition ceremony honoring graduating students who are veterans or active-duty service members will be held on Thursday, April 22, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the University Commons Multipurpose Room. Graduating students will receive a patriotic honor cord and a veteran stole. For details, contact Silvia Barrera at barreras1@wpunj.edu. For additional information, visit wpunj.edu/veterans. Lavender Graduation Ceremony The fifth annual Lavender Graduation Ceremony recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of LGBTQIA+ students and allies who have advanced the University's commitment for an inclusive community. The ceremony will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the University Commons Multipurpose Room. All LGBTQIA+ and ally undergraduate and graduate students who would like to receive a complimentary cord to wear with graduation regalia are invited to attend. Follow WP Pride Plus on Instagram for more details and information: @pridepluswpu. For more information, please contact Myranda Louis Jean, Director for Student Diversity and Inclusion, at louisjeanm@wpunj.edu or Pride Plus president Ezekiel Frasier at frasiere@student.wpunj.edu. LatinX Graduation Ceremony The second annual LatinX Graduation Ceremony recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of LatinX students for their achievement in completing their degrees. The ceremony will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the University Commons Ballrooms A/B/C. All graduating undergraduate and graduate students who would like to receive a complimentary cord to wear with graduation regalia are invited to attend. Follow the Organization of Latin American Students on Instagram for more details and information: @olas_wpu. If you have any questions about participating, contact Myranda Louis Jean, Director for Student Diversity and Inclusion, at louisjeanm@wpunj.edu or OLAS president Karen Grullon at grullonk5@student.wpunj.edu. University Academic Distinction Medal Ceremony For: Cum Laude | Magna Cum Laude | Summa Cum Laude | and University Honors College Graduates The University Academic Distinction Medal Ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in Shea Auditorium. The ceremony will be held to honor graduates who have earned the status of cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude, respectively; and graduates who have completed a research or creative performance track in the University Honors College. This event is for undergraduate students by invitation only, and students will be required to RSVP for the ceremony in advance. The link to RSVP and more information about the event will be included in the email invitation. Graduating students who have earned the distinction of cum laude, magna cum laude or summa cum laude, also referred to as Graduation Latin Honors, will be notified by email in March. Students who qualify for Honors College medallions will be notified separately by email. Graduates will be individually recognized and will receive their medallions for Commencement. Click here to see the University’s Latin Honors policy. The event is sponsored by the Office of the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and the University Honors College. University Academic Excellence Awards Ceremony The University Academic Excellence Awards Ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in Shea Auditorium. During the ceremony, the top graduating students from all academic departments and colleges are recognized. Students who are nominated to receive awards at this event will be notified by email from gritschm@wpunj.edu in April. This event is sponsored by the Office of the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.
