Schedule of Events

Commencement is in every way the key moment of symbolic tradition in the life of a Trinity University student. Trinity's student communities will gather in celebrations that honor their cultures and identities. 

If you identify with more than one celebration, you may register for more than one.

Questions? Contact Student Inclusion and Belonging (cfragoso@trinity.edu)

Wednesday, May 8

Lavender Graduation Celebration and Reception 

By student invitation

Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Dicke Hall Mabee Auditorium Room 104
6 - 8 p.m. 

Trinity established Lavender Celebration in 2019 to recognize graduating members of Trinity’s LGBTQ+ community. Graduating students celebrate with their chosen families, where they receive lavender stoles—a significant color to the LGBTQ+ community—to wear at the University’s commencement. The Lavender Celebration is hosted by the PRIDE student organization.  

Register to participate

student carrying born this way banner on campus

 

Thursday, May 9

Kente Graduation Celebration and Reception

By student invitation 

Friday, May 10, 2024
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The Kente Celebration honors Black graduating students with family and friends. One by one, each senior is introduced by another honoree, who describes the student's proudest moments and accomplishments on campus. A loved one then bestows the graduating student with a woven Kente stole. The Kente Celebration is hosted by the Black Student Union, African Student Association, and derived from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Register to participate

Kente ceremony graduate hugs parent

First Generation Celebration and Reception 

Thursday, May 9, 2024
Stieren Theater and Lobby
6 - 8 p.m. 

Our First Generation Celebration honors students who are the first in their families to graduate from college. Each graduating student can invite their family, friends, and countless members of the Trinity community who have helped them along the way. First Generation Celebration is hosted by the Student Diversity and Inclusion Office. 

Register to participate

 

Friday, May 10

Phi Beta Kappa Induction Ceremony

By student invitation 

Friday, May 10, 2024
10 - 11 a.m.

Phi Beta Kappa is the nation's oldest and most prestigious academic honor society. Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa celebrates and advocates excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. The Epsilon of Texas Chapter at Trinity University was founded in 1974 and is one of only 270 chapters in the United States. The ceremony officially inducts new members into the society and celebrates them.

Class of 2022 Phi Beta Kappa inductees

De Colores Graduation Celebration and Reception 

Friday, May 10, 2024
Parker Chapel
1-3 p.m.

The De Colores Celebration, named for the Spanish term for “in colors,” is a unique Latina/o event of Trinity’s graduates . Each graduating student can invite their family, friends, and countless members of the Trinity community who have helped them along the way. Each student chooses a loved one to present them with a colorful stole.  The De Colores Celebration is hosted by MAS and TULA student organization. 

Register to participate

De Colores ceremony exchange

AAPI Graduation Celebration and Reception 

By student invitation ​​​​​​

Friday, May 10, 2024
Stieren Theater
3 - 5 p.m.

The AAPI Celebration is for graduating students who identify as Asian, Asian American, and/or Pacific Islander. This celebration commemorates a transition from Trinity to the next chapter of life. The AAPI Celebration is hosted by AAPI student organizations. 

Register to participate

International engagement ceremony students pose for portrait

 


Baccalaureate Vespers Service 

Open to all

Friday, May 10, 2024
Parker Chapel
5 p.m. 

The Baccalaureate Service, dating back to Trinity's earliest Commencements ceremonies, is a time set aside the day before the conferral of the degrees for a service of inspiration, reflection, prayer, and blessing over the graduating class and their families.

image of Rev. Alex Serna-Wallender standing with students

Undergraduate Reception 

Open to all

Friday, May 10, 2024
Magic Stones
6 - 8 p.m. 

Join this special occasion to celebrate your achievements and hard work during your academic journey. Connect with fellow graduates, faculty members, and university leadership to commemorate this important milestone.

Vanessa B. Beasley and Trey Beasley at graduation

 

Sunday, May 12

Graduate Reception 

Open to all

Sunday, May 12, 2024
Parker Chapel Courtyard
3- 4 p.m. 

Join this special occasion to celebrate your achievements and hard work during your academic journey. Connect with fellow graduates, faculty members, and university leadership to commemorate this important milestone.

Students and families around miller fountain for commencement