Celebrating every journey: 2026 Celebrating U Completely Graduation
Every student’s journey at the U is different—and that’s what makes it worth celebrating. In honor of this, the Center for Community and Cultural Engagement is hosting the annual Celebrating U Completely Graduation Event, which recognizes the connections, experiences, and communities that shape those journeys. The ceremony will be held on Thursday, April 23, from 6–8 p.m. in the Union Ballroom.
This year’s theme, Bridging Gaps. Building Futures. Connection Starts With U., highlights the ways students build connections across communities, experiences, and futures.
At the event, graduating students may choose to be recognized by name, walk across the stage, and receive a certificate from the Center for Community and Cultural Engagement.
Additionally, students are invited to select the cord that resonate most with their experiences during their time at the University of Utah. These cords are intended to be reflective of the communities they have engaged with, the relationships they have built, and the journey they have navigated throughout their academic experience.
Cord colors and meanings
- Aqua cords: Recognizes engagement in cultural programming and community-building efforts connected to Pacific Islander histories, traditions, and collective values, with an emphasis on relationality, storytelling, and cultural continuity.
- Gold, white, and yellow cords: Honor participation in cultural programs, traditions, and community engagement efforts that celebrate heritage, storytelling, and collective care rooted in Latin American and Caribbean cultural experiences.
- Black, white, and green cords: Honor service, leadership, and community engagement connected to military, military connected, and veteran experiences, emphas1zmg commitment, transition, and contribution to both campus and broader community.
- Lavender cords: The color lavender holds historical and cultural significance as a longstanding symbol of queer resistance, visibility, and community-emerging from early movements where it represented the blending of traditional gendered colors and later becoming associated with LGBTO+ community and pride. These cords reflect contributions to building affirming environments, honoring this legacy, and advancing dialogue around resilience, belonging, and collective care.
- Rainbow cords: Represent efforts that advance access, disability inclusion, and equitable participation across community spaces. These cords reflect contributions to reducing barriers, promoting inclusive design, and fostering environments where all individuals can fully engage and thrive.
- Red, white, and blue cords: Honor participation in programs and service connected to national engagement, civic responsibility, and contributions that support broader community and public service initiatives.
- Turquoise cords: Recognizes engagement in cultural practices, education, and community efforts that honor Indigenous knowledge systems, traditions, and relationships to land, community, and history.
- Black, red, and gold cords: Recognizes engagement in programs and initiatives that highlight Black American/African community 6 cultural contributions, history, and community impact, with an emphasis on leadership, expression, and cultural legacy.
- Orange and white cords: Honor participation in programs and initiatives that highlight Asian American histories, cultural contributions, and community engagement, emphasizing education, visibility, and cultural appreciation.
Whether you’re graduating or supporting friends, students or colleagues, everyone is welcome to be part of this evening of celebration, connection, and joy. Graduating students must RSVP here.