Inclusive senior ceremonies
Commencement is in every way the key moment of symbolic tradition in the life of a Trinity University student. Students from Trinity’s Latina/o, Black, and LGBTQ+ communities will gather in smaller ceremonies that honor their cultures and identities.
“As minorities, we are always being fragmented and divided—by race, income, education, even body type—but this ceremony is a way for us to be united.”
Questions: For questions and additional details about each ceremony, please contact Wills Brown.
Lavender Ceremony
Invitation Only
Trinity established Lavender Graduation in 2019 to recognize graduating members of Trinity’s LGBTQ+ community. Graduating students celebrate in a small ceremony with their chosen families, where they receive lavender cords—a significant color to the LGBTQ+ community—to wear at the University’s commencement.
Kente Ceremony
Invitation Only
The Kente Ceremony honors Black graduating students in an intimate ceremony filled 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 Ceremony is hosted by the Black Student Union and derived from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
De Colores Ceremony
The De Colores Ceremony, named for the Spanish term for “in colors,” is a unique celebration of Trinity’s graduating Latina/o seniors. 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.
AAPI Heritage Celebration
Invitation Only
The AAPI Heritage Celebration is a special ceremony for graduating students who identify as Asian, Asian American, and/or Pacific Islander. This celebration commemorates your transition from Trinity to the next chapter of your life.
First Generation Ceremony
Our First Generation Ceremony honors our students who are the first in their families to graduate from college.
If you are interested in participating please fill out this form.
Phi Beta Kappa Induction Ceremony
Invitation Only
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.
