Columbia College | Columbia Engineering

Multicultural Graduation Celebrations

In honor of Columbia’s diverse student community, Columbia College and Columbia Engineering are proud to also offer Multicultural Graduation Celebrations — providing more intimate settings for students who self-identify in a variety of ways. These events, which complement school- and University-wide ceremonies, invite community members to reflect on personal growth and community experiences that have impacted their time as students. All undergraduate students are invited to participate in these celebrations.

2024 Celebration Schedule and Registration

Please note that there are separate registration forms for graduates and guests. If participating in more than one event, Graduates and guests must register for each celebration individually.


Multicultural Affairs Graduation Cord Ceremony


International Graduation Celebration 

  • Friday, April 26, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
  • Graduate registration for Columbia College and Columbia Engineering (no guests)

Asian Graduation Celebration

  • Wednesday, May 1, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
  • Graduate registration | Guest registration

Lavender Graduation Celebration (LGBTQIA+ community)

  • Thursday, May 2, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
  • Graduate registration | Guest registration

FLI Graduation Celebration (First-generation and/or low-income community)

  • Monday, May 13, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
  • Graduate registration | Guest registration

Black Graduation Celebration

  • Tuesday, May 14, 2:00–4:30 p.m.
  • Graduate registration | Guest registration

Latinx Graduation Celebration

  • Tuesday, May 14, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
  • Graduate registration | Guest registration

Native Graduation Celebration

  • Wednesday, May 15, 12:00–2:00 p.m.
  • Graduate registration | Guest registration

About the Celebrations

Graduation Cord Presentation

Presented by Multicultural Affairs, the Multicultural Affairs Graduation Cords are given to graduating seniors in Columbia College, Columbia Engineering and the School of General Studies who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to diversity, social justice and multiculturalism through Multicultural Affairs, campus leadership, community involvement, academic endeavors and/or personal dedication.

Asian Graduation Celebration

Asian Graduation Celebration is an annual celebration that recognizes the achievements of our graduating Asian (East Asian, South Asian and Southeast Asian) and Pacific Islander communities on campus. In collaboration with the Asian Columbia Alumni Association, we honor the legacies of heritages and histories, the voices that have individually and collectively impacted the University, and the invaluable network of shared strength and support among fellow Columbians, past and present. Asian Graduation is sponsored by Multicultural Affairs, Undergraduate Student Life. Support is provided by the Asian Columbia Alumni Association, Columbia Alumni Association and General Studies Student Life. 

Lavender Graduation Celebration

Lavender Graduation Celebration is a celebration that celebrates our graduating LGBTQ and allied students. First started at the University of Michigan in 1995, the celebration is now conducted at hundreds of universities nationwide including Princeton, Duke, MIT and NYU. The color lavender, adopted by the gay movement in the 1960s, is the main color of Sayville (Gayville), NY. Sayville is near Fire Island, where the veterans of Stonewall hung out. This history of New York is honored during the celebration. Lavender Graduation is sponsored by Multicultural Affairs, Undergraduate Student Life and the Lavender Grad Committee. Support is provided by Columbia Pride (alumni group), Columbia Alumni Association and General Studies Student Life. 

FLI Graduation Celebration

The FLI Graduation Celebration celebrates students who will be the first in their family to graduate from college or who come from low income backgrounds. This event provides an intimate setting for family, friends, alumni, faculty, staff and students to recognize the achievements and impact of first-generation and low income (FLI) students. This celebration is sponsored by the Multicultural Affairs, Undergraduate Student Life. Support is provided by Columbia First-generation Low-income Alumni Network, Columbia Alumni Association and General Studies Student Life. 

Black Graduation Celebration

Black Graduation celebration serves as an intimate gathering for family, friends and members of the Columbia community to celebrate the culture and accomplishments of the undergraduate graduating class. This celebration has a long-standing history within the University and is a celebration of the accomplishments of Columbia and Barnard Black undergraduate graduates. Originally through the Black Students Organization, Black Graduation was first initiated by students who wanted the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and recognize the important role that Black students have played in shaping the landscape of Columbia. Black Graduation is sponsored by Multicultural Affairs, Undergraduate Student Life and Black Students Organization. Support is provided by Columbia Alumni Association and General Studies Student Life. 

Latinx Graduation Celebration 

Latinx Graduation Celebration (formerly Raza Graduation) has a long-standing history within the University of celebrating the accomplishments of our undergraduate Latinx graduates, as well as recognizing the role that Latinx students have played in shaping Columbia’s landscape. This celebration provides an intimate setting for students, faculty, staff, alumni, family and friends to honor the graduates, in addition to welcoming them into their important roles as Columbia and Barnard alumni. Latinx Graduation is co-sponsored by Multicultural Affairs, Undergraduate Student Life, Latino Alumni Association of Columbia University, Latinx Graduation Committee and numerous student organizations. Support is provided by Columbia Alumni Association and General Studies Student Life.

Native Graduation Celebration

Native Graduation Celebration provides an intimate setting for family, friends, alumni, faculty, staff and students to recognize the accomplishments of the graduates while embracing their new important roles as Columbia alumni. This celebration is co-sponsored by the Multicultural Affairs, Undergraduate Student Life and Native American Council. Support is provided by Columbia Alumni Association and General Studies Student Life.