Additional Celebratory Events

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 Saturday, April 20, 2024 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the University Commons Multipurpose Room.

All graduates who would like to receive a cord and a gift, please complete this form.

Follow the Black Student Union on Instagram for more details and information: @willyp_bsu. If you have any questions, contact Myranda Barreau, Interim Director for Student Diversity and Inclusion, at barreaum@wpunj.edu or BSU Executive Chairperson Nidgie Raphael at raphaeln@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 25, 2024 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 fourth 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 26, 2024, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the University Commons Multipurpose Room. All LGBTQIA+ and ally undergraduate and graduate students are invited to attend.

Lavender Graduation cords and certificates will be presented at the ceremony. All graduates who would like to receive a complimentary Lavender Graduation cord to wear with graduation regalia, please complete the this form.

Graduates who identify within the LGBTQIA+ community will receive a rainbow stole in addition to the cord.

Following the graduation, PRIDE PROM will be held from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Myranda Barreau, Interim Director for Student Diversity and Inclusion, at barreaum@wpunj.edu.

 

University Latin Honors Ceremonies

The University Latin Honors Ceremony will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. in Shea Auditorium. The ceremony will be held to honor all graduates who have earned the status of cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude, respectively.

Graduates will be recognized and will receive their medallion for Commencement. Students who qualify for Latin Honors will be notified in March. 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.

 

University Student Academic Awards Ceremony

The University Student Academic Awards Ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 7:00 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 honors@wpunj.edu in April. This event is sponsored by the Office of the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and the University Honors College.

 

Senior Send-Off Celebration

Please join us on Friday, May 17, 2024, from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. in the University Commons Ballrooms to celebrate with fellow Pioneers of the Class of 2024 at the annual Senior Send-Off event. All members of the Class of 2024 are invited to come together and celebrate this milestone occasion.

The evening will include a buffet, music, a photo booth, and dancing. The event will include congratulatory remarks from President Richard J. Helldobler, a welcome to the Alumni Association, the announcement of the Outstanding Senior Award recipient, and a recognition of all Outstanding Senior Award nominees.

Each graduate is admitted free of charge. Graduates may bring one guest. Guest tickets are $35 per person. Registration is required for all attendees. To RSVP, click here.

Please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@wpunj.edu with any questions.