Affinity Graduation Ceremonies
Affinity Graduation Ceremonies honor the accomplishments and experiences of Goucher
graduates from historically marginalized and underrepresented communities. These ceremonies
highlight the personal and academic successes that have shaped a student’s journey
at Goucher College. While celebrating common experiences, Affinity Graduation Ceremonies
also provide an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and inspiration for aspiring
seniors. Affinity Graduation Ceremonies are free for all graduating seniors, their
guests, and the campus community.
Ceremonies
InterConnect
May 15, 2026 | 10 a.m. | Merrick Lecture Hall
The ceremony honors international students and students who strongly identify as having an international background, and to acknowledge their experience at Goucher.
Disability Visibility Celebration
May 15, 2026 | 1 p.m. | Buchner Hall of the Alumnae/i House
The celebration recognizes, honors, and highlights the achievements of our disabled graduating seniors.
Phi Beta Kappa
May 15, 2026 | 3 p.m. | Hyman Forum of the Athenaeum
The ceremony is an annual celebration to induct and celebrate the achievements of Goucher students elected to join the Beta of Maryland Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa.
Latinx Triunfos
May 15, 2026 | 6 p.m. | Merrick Lecture Hall
The ceremony reflects the unity of our students who identify as Hispanic and Latino/a/x while embracing the nuanced differences of cultures.
LAUNCH Scholars Network Ceremony
May 16, 2026 | 10 a.m. | Buchner Hall of the Alumnae/i House
The ceremony celebrates the achievements of graduating seniors from the LAUNCH Scholars Network.
Lavender Ceremony
May 16, 2026 | 1 p.m. | Merrick Lecture Hall
The ceremony is an annual celebration conducted on numerous campuses to honor lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual students and to acknowledge their achievements and contributions to the college.
Donning of the Kente Ceremony
May 16, 2026 | 4 p.m. | Hyman Forum of the Athenaeum
During the intimate ceremony, graduating seniors will be donned with a stole of kente, a fabric native to Ghana reserved for special occasions, and acts as a visual history for the wearer’s own cultural ethos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Affinity Graduation Ceremonies should I participate in?
Graduating Goucher College students may participate in any and all Affinity Graduation Ceremonies that they self-identify with.
Can I participate in multiple ceremonies?
Of course you can! Many of our students share intersecting identities represented in not one but multiple ceremonies.
Do I need tickets for my guests?
Tickets are not required, and seating is based on a first-available basis.
When is the deadline to sign up for Affinity Graduation Ceremonies?
A graduating senior must register for the Affinity Graduation Ceremonies to participate and receive a free Kente, Serape, Flag Stole and/or cord.
Where should I park?
The main parking area that is available is in the Dorsey Center lot. Parking spaces are ample and permits are not required.
How do I request accommodations?
Contact the Office of Accessibility Services, 410-337-6146 (TTY/TDD, dial 711), at least five to six business days prior to the date of the Affinity Graduation Ceremonies you are requesting accommodations for.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact centerof.raceequityandidentity@goucher.edu.