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End-of-Year Celebrations

Join us in celebrating the culture, heritage, and achievements of Northwestern's students at our End-of-Year Celebrations. All members of the Northwestern community are welcome to attend.

Campus Inclusion & Community Celebrations

Community Honors | May 30

Friday, May 30, 2025

Time: 2:00 to 5:00 PM

Location: Evanston Campus

Community Honors is Campus Inclusion and Community's new way for all students to be celebrated for the communities they are passionate about! Students must complete this registration by 9 a.m. on Monday, May 5. The event will be drop-in style and students can swing by anytime between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on the Evanston Campus. Exact location details will be emailed to registrants. 

Registration for this event is now closed.

Native American and Indigenous Community Celebration | May 18

Sunday, May 18, 2025

Time: 5:00 to 7:00 PM

Location: Guild Lounge

Join Multicultural Student Affairs and the Office of Community Enrichment for the Native American and Indigenous Community Celebration. This annual event honors the contributions, culture, and accomplishments of Native and Indigenous students, faculty, staff, and community members at Northwestern.

Register Here

NU Moon Reception | May 31

Saturday, May 31, 2025

Time: 5:00 to 7:00 PM

Location: Norris University Center, Louis Room

As we conclude the end of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (APIDA) heritage month and the 2024-2025 academic year, join us for our end-of-the-year celebration. The NU Moon Reception is a celebration of the APIDAcommunity's accomplishments and culture on campus featuring Multicultural Student Affairs, the Asian American Studies Program, alumni, and most importantly, the student community! Let us revisit our past, reflect on the present, and envision the future together. 

Register Here

Fruits of Our Success: A SWANA/MENA Farewell | June 8

Sunday, June 8, 2025

Time: 4:00 to 6:00 PM

Location: Guild Lounge

In the words of Lebanese American poet Khalil Gibran, "Education sows not seeds in you, but makes your seeds grow.” Join Multicultural Student Affairs and the Northwestern Alumni Association as we celebrate the fruits of success sown by the seeds of Northwestern's students. This farewell to the academic year honors the accomplishments, contributions, and cultures of SWANA and MENA communities as well as the seeds fertilized by a Northwestern education.

Register Here

Lavender Toast | June 12

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Time: 5:30 to 7:30 PM

Location: John Evans Center

Join the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center and the Northwestern Alumni Association at this bookend experience at Northwestern to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community! A space of love, joy and acknowledgment, Lavender is a time to celebrate you in your fullness.

Register Here

The Journey of Our Years | June 13

Friday, June 13, 2025

Time: 3:00 to 4:00 PM

Location: Norris University Center, Ground Floor

The Journey of Our Years, or The JOY, is an annual celebration hosted by the Northwestern Alumni Association and Multicultural Student Affairs that honors the excellence, resilience, and culture of Northwestern’s Black community.

Register Here

Un Aplauso | June 13

Friday, June 13, 2024

Time: 7:30 to 8:30 PM

Location: Norris University Center, Ground Floor

As the academic year draws to a close, Northwestern Alumni Association and Multicultural Student Affairs invites you to Un Aplauso. This event is a reception dedicated to recognizing student accomplishments through reflection, performance, and celebrating everyone who was a part of those accomplishments—un aplauso pa todos. 

Register Here

Baccalaureate | June 15

Sunday, June 15, 2025

Time: 5:00 to 6:00 PM

Location: Pick-Staiger Concert Hall

Baccalaureate is a multi-faith and multicultural celebration honoring a diversity of spiritualities, philosophies, and cultures at Northwestern. Hosted by Religious & Spiritual Life, the one-hour ceremony features intentions, reflections, prayers, and music by graduating students. Staff will offer words of blessing and sending as a part of the celebration. Honoring the collective culmination of memories at Northwestern, all graduating students and their guests are welcome to attend.  

No registration required

FAQs

How can I request a stole?

All stoles will only be distributed at the CIC Community Honors event. Pre-registration is required before Monday, May 5, 2025 at 9:00 AM CST.  

Registration is now closed

Can I wear my stole to any of the End-of-Year Celebrations and/or Commencement events?

Yes, you can wear your stole to any and all events taking place after May 30

 

I will not be able to attend the CIC Community Honors to pick up a stole, can I still receive a stole?

The stoles are specific to the CIC Community Honors celebration and are ordered based on the number of students registered to pick up.  Please contact the following emails to see if stole pick-up is an option. 

I missed the registration deadline for stoles; can I still participate in the End-of Year Celebration(s)?

Yes, you can still join the celebrations! Stoles are only given out at the CIC Honors event. If you missed the deadline, you’re still welcome at all other events. Just make sure to RSVP—links are listed above for each one.  

Can I bring guests? How many?

We encourage you to invite friends, family, and community to celebrate with you.  

What will seating be like for the events?

All events will have open seating.  

What is the dress code for the events?

There is no official dress code for these celebrations. You are welcome to wear traditional/ethnic, professional, and/or casual clothes. Whatever is comfortable for you—come as you want to. 

I am Northwestern staff/faculty/student/alum. Can I attend the celebration?

Yes, our events are open to all Northwestern community members. Any guest who would like to attend  register for any and all events using the links above.  

Campus Religious Centers Celebrations

Northwestern University is privileged to have a rich spiritual community adjacent to the Evanston campus dedicated to serving Northwestern students, faculty, and staff. Northwestern's campus religious partners operate in their own centers and are supported by affiliated nonprofits. Visit the Religious & Spiritual Life page for more information.

Northwestern Hillel

Friday, June 13, 2025 | Shabbat Services & Shabbat Dinner

Time:

  • 7:15 PM: Shabbat Services
  • 8:00 PM: Shabbat Dinner

Location: Northwestern Hillel

Monday, June 16, 2025 | Open House Bagel Brunch

Time: Noon to 3 PM

Location: Northwestern Hillel

For more information, visit the Northwestern Hillel website.

Sheil Catholic Center

Wednesday, May 28, 2025 | ¡Vamos!

Time: 6:00 to 7:30 PM

Location: Sheil Catholic Center

Calling all graduating students! Join us for this year’s installation of Vamos, a Sheil send-off, for all students who are moving on to the next chapter of life. On Wednesday, May 28, we come together to celebrate accomplishments, offer words of encouragement for “the real world,” and reflect on the time spent here on campus. Whether you’re beginning a new career or continuing your education, our hope is that you will continue to seek God’s direction for what’s next, while knowing that you always have a home at Sheil. We’ll gather at 6 p.m. for a meal and our program will last till 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 14, 2025 | Graduation Mass and Reception

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Sheil Catholic Center

Graduation Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sheil Catholic Center for graduates and their families and friends. Mass will be followed by a reception. Students are welcome to wear graduation regalia.