Cultural and Affinity Commencement Celebrations

The Alumni Association partners with student and alumni groups and the Center for Cultural Connections & Community (The Center) to host graduation celebrations recognizing students' accomplishments in the CU Boulder community.

These programs are open to all CU Boulder students and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, veteran status, marital status, political affiliation, political philosophy, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression in accordance with state, federal, and Regent law.


Stoles, Cords and Academic DressÌý

In addition to the now-traditional caps and gowns worn at commencement, you may wear stoles, cords and sashes to represent communities, clubs and organizations you are a part of at CU Boulder.ÌýRead the complete list of commencement regalia and contact the corresponding unit to learn more.


Graduating students can register to receive complimentary academic dress (stoles) for any of the groups they identify with.

The Alumni Association provides:

  • Asian American Pacific Islander Graduation (AAPI Stole)
  • First Generation Stole
  • Black Graduation (Kente Cloth)
  • Lavender Graduation (Lavender Rainbow Stole)
  • Latinx Graduation (Sarape Stole)

Pickup extended until May 15th at

Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) BBQ

Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Koenig Alumni Center

Hosted by the Alumni Association, the Center for Cultural Connections & Community and the Center for Student Involvement

Black Graduation

Saturday, May 2, 2026
Koenig Alumni Center

2026 Black Grad Program

Hosted by the Alumni Association, the Center for Cultural Connections & Community and the Center for African and African American Studies (CAAAS)

Ìý

First-Generation Graduate Celebration

Thursday, April 30, 2026
CASE Auditorium | 4th Floor

Hosted by the Alumni Association, the Center for Cultural Connections & Community and the First-Generation Programs and Enrichment Office.

Golden Buffalo Marching Band Graduation

Friday, May 1, 2026Ìý
Koenig Alumni Center

Hosted by the Alumni Association

Latinx Graduation

Saturday, May 2, 2026
Koenig Alumni Center

2026 Latinx Grad Program

Hosted by the Alumni Association and the Center for Cultural Connections & Community

Lavender Graduation

Sunday, May 3, 2026
Koenig Alumni Center

2026 Lavender Grad Program

Hosted by the Alumni Association, the Pride Office, and the LGBTQ Studies Program

Native and Indigenous Graduation

Saturday, May 2, 2026
Koenig Alumni Center

2026 Native and Indigenous Grad Program

Hosted by the Alumni Association, the Center for Cultural Connections & Community, and the Center for Native American and Indigenous Studies (CNAIS)

Partners