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. If you are a graduating senior who is interested in participating in any of our Affinity Graduation Ceremonies, please complete the 2023 Affinity Graduation Ceremonies Registration Form by 11:59 pm on Monday, April 24, 2023.
Ceremonies
InterConnect
Monday, May 22, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Merrick Lecture Hall
The ceremony will honor international students and students who strongly identify as having an international background and to acknowledge their experience at Goucher.
Latinx Triunfos
Tuesday, May 23, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. | Athenaeum, Forum
*Open to the public
The ceremony will reflect the unity of our students who identify as Hispanic and Latino/a/x while embracing the nuanced differences of cultures.
Donning of the Kente Ceremony
Tuesday, May 23, 2023 | 1:00 p.m. | Athenaeum, Forum
*Open to the public
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.
Disability Visibility Celebration
Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. | ATH 448 & Batza Deck
*Private event for participating graduating seniors and their guests
The inaugural celebration will recognize, honor, and highlight the achievements of our disabled graduating seniors.
Lavender Ceremony
Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | 1:00 p.m. | Alum House Buchner & Buchner Patio
*Private event for participating graduating seniors and their guests
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.
Affinity Graduation Ceremony Information Session
If you are interested to know more about each ceremony, including the history and expected preparations, please join us for one of the Affinity Graduation Ceremony information sessions below.
Friday, March 31, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. (Batza)
Thursday, April 20, 1:00 2:00 p.m. (Batza)
Register
If you are a graduating senior who is interested in participating in any of our Affinity Graduation Ceremonies, please sign up using the form below by Monday, April 24, 2023.
If you are a faculty, staff, or alumni looking to get involved in one or more of the
Affinity Graduation Ceremonies, please sign up using the form below.
FAQ
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 no later than Monday April 24, 2023 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 5-6 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.