BGSU has added a Celebration of Asian Graduates to its preexisting multicultural graduation ceremonies, all happening between April 12 and 14.

The Division of Inclusion and Belonging puts on these celebrations every year to recognize Latino/a/x, Black and Lavender (LGBTQ+) students at BGSU.  The addition of the Asian graduates ceremony will bring recognition to another community. 

Daniel Hoang Nguyen, President of the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) at BGSU, said the addition of the Celebration of Asian Graduates highlights the accomplishments and contributions of the Asian community at BGSU.

“The Celebration of Asian Graduates is important because it recognizes the unique experiences, challenges, and accomplishments of Asian students,” Nguyen said.  “It provides a space for our diverse cultures to be honored and seen, while also celebrating our resilience and contributions to the campus community.”

He calls this addition a “meaningful step forward,” but highlights the issue that this celebration didn’t exist until now.

“While I’m grateful that this celebration is finally being added, it also highlights how long this recognition has been missing,” Nguyen said.  “It’s a meaningful step forward, and I hope it continues to grow into a lasting tradition that future generations of Asian students can be proud of, one of my ultimate dreams.”

This ceremony is something that BGSU students like Nguyen wanted.

“Students requested the Center for Student Connections and Opportunity (CSCO) add this celebration,” said Chief Inclusion Officer Katie Stygles.

The ceremonies have already seen students sign up to be recognized at the ceremonies, but are now closed for registration.

“There are currently 50 students registered to participate in one or more of the celebrations,” Stygles said.  “Registrations close early next week and we expect another 25-50 students to register to participate.”

With some of these celebrations existing for 20 years, Stygles says it’s all about acknowledging students and staff who have created a space for students to feel welcome and successful.

“These celebrations provide an opportunity to recognize community.  At BGSU, we want each student to have the opportunity to achieve success and to feel a sense of belonging,” Stygles said.

These ceremonies are not commencement, they recognize students and their accomplishments before graduation.  However, students will receive a cord or stole at the event to wear at commencement.

“Each of these celebrations are unique, generally featuring brief remarks, a musical arts performance and an opportunity for students to receive a cord or stole that they can wear at graduation, should they choose,” Stygles said.

With the signing of Senate Bill 1 (SB1) and the ban of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs, many are worried that events like this won’t be able to happen; Stygles wishes to ease these worries.

“SB1 states, ‘Each state institution of higher education shall prohibit all policies designed explicitly to segregate faculty, staff, or students based on those individuals’ race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression in credit-earning classroom settings, formal orientation ceremonies, and formal graduation ceremonies.’  Based on our current guidance, we anticipate these celebrations will continue as they are informal celebrations that are open to all, not formal graduation ceremonies,” Stygles said.

While there is no plan to add an additional ceremony, Stygles said they are open to student requests to add another.  These events are about recognition, and they are always open to recognize those who deserve it.

“These celebrations are one way to acknowledge peers and mentors who have been integral to students’ sense of belonging and recognize the communities that have been impactful for them,” Stygles said.

The Celebration of Asian Graduates is happening at the Bowen-Thompson Student Union (BTSU) Multipurpose Room at 11 a.m. on April 12.  That same day and room, at 2 p.m., the Celebration of Latino/a/x Students will take place.  On April 13 at 12:30 p.m., in the BTSU Ballroom, will be the Celebration of Black Graduates.  And the Celebration of Lavendar Graduates will take place on April 14 in the BTSU Multipurpose Room at 5 p.m.