12th Annual Lavender Celebration & Awards
RSVP by today!
RSVP BY TODAY for our end of the year Celebration & Awards!
Student Belonging (formerly known as Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, & Belonging, or i3b) in the Division of Student Affairs has hosted celebration ceremonies for Latinx, Black, and LGBTQIA+ / queer students for several years. This year, we are excited to add the Asian Cultural Celebration & Awards to the lineup. These three affinity events will honor and celebrate the achievements of UMBC's outstanding community members and graduating students.
The Lavender celebration is in recognition of the achievements of queer / LGBTQIA2+ community at UMBC, which is inclusive of students, faculty, staff, alumni, campus affiliates, and our allies. This year’s graduation celebration will focus on the theme “Power in Queer Joy.”
The 12th Annual Lavender Celebration & Awards
Monday, May 19, 2025
5:30 - 8pm
Skylight, The Commons 3rd Floor
This celebration includes:
Keynote speeches from an undergraduate and graduate student in the community.
An award component in celebration of the efforts and achievements accomplished in the past year. We have redone the awards for this year’s celebration, and our new award line up now includes awards highlighting inclusive and welcoming faculty and staff, up-and-coming students, students engaging in inclusive excellence and activism, students promoting radical love and belonging, efforts promoting the queer community, and graduating students or faculty/staff who have created a legacy worth celebrating.
A creative presentation moment in the celebration that highlights a performance, artwork, or other creative endeavor made in the last year by a queer student. We also have a second student showcasing their work, gallery-style, in the Fireside Lounge throughout the event.
A moment of celebration and farewell for our graduating students, who receive a special token to take forward with them.
Our Lavender Celebration & Awards is just one of countless Lavender events across the globe. According to the Human Rights Campaign, Lavender was created by Dr. Ronni Santo, a Jewish Lesbian who was denied the opportunity to attend the graduations of her biological children because of her sexual orientation. It was through this experience that she came to understand the pain felt by her students. Encouraged by the Dean of Students at the University of Michigan, Dr. Sanlo designed the first Lavender event in 1995.
Dress code: We encourage all attendees and graduates to dress in their "celebration best." While cap and gown are not required, we would be thrilled to see attendees join us in cowboy or western themed apparel (cowboy hats in particular!) in the spirit of this semester’s Pride theme. This is not required, please feel free to come in whatever is affirming and comfortable for you!
For those interested in attending, RSVP HERE (https://forms.gle/7HYsxsAAaJBNKH8g6)! Graduates that RSVP between Monday, April 14th and Monday, April 28th at 6pm will be highlighted during the event and receive honorary graduation cords.
Folx are still welcome to attend even if there is no RSVP. Graduating students can register to be recognized day-of, but food and seating is only guranteed for those who RSVP'ed.
If you have any questions, please email the Lavender Planning Committee co-chairs: Darcie Adams at dadams4@umbc.edu or Zoe Brown at zoebrown@umbc.edu.
This event is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.
RSVP BY TODAY for our end of the year Celebration & Awards!
Student Belonging (formerly known as Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, & Belonging, or i3b) in the Division of Student Affairs has hosted celebration ceremonies for Latinx, Black, and LGBTQIA+ / queer students for several years. This year, we are excited to add the Asian Cultural Celebration & Awards to the lineup. These three affinity events will honor and celebrate the achievements of UMBC's outstanding community members and graduating students.
5th Annual Black & Latine/x Celebration & Awards
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Skylight, The Commons 3rd Floor
This celebration is in recognition of the achievements of UMBC's Black and Latina/e/o/x graduating students as well as contributing community members. Black and Latine/x students have made invaluable contributions to the wider UMBC community. This celebration is in recognition of Black and Latine/x graduating students and of all the allied staff, faculty, alumni, and programs that work to support them.
During the gathering, we’ll enjoy food together, we’ll showcase keynote speakers, student musical and dance performances, and award presentations to honor student contributions, as well as the faculty and staff who’ve contributed to their success.
Light refreshments and appetizers will be served starting at 5:30 pm for all guests in attendance.
Graduates must check in no later than 5:45 p.m. The program will begin promptly at 6 p.m.
Dress code: We encourage all attendees and graduates to dress in their "celebration best." While cap and gown are not required, we would be thrilled to see attendees embracing cultural attires.
For those interested in attending, RSVP HERE (https://forms.gle/Vz5i9n36YTRZws4D8)! Graduates that RSVP between Monday, April 14th and Monday, April 28th at 6pm will be highlighted during the event and receive honorary graduation cords.
Folx are still welcome to attend even if there is no RSVP. Graduating students can register to be recognized day-of, but food and seating is only guranteed for those who RSVP'ed.
If you have any questions, please email Angelina R. Jenkins, Assistant Director for The Mosaic: Center for Cultural Diversity at arjenkins@umbc.edu.
This event is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.
]]>
RSVP BY TODAY for our end of the year Celebration & Awards! Student Belonging (formerly known as Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, & Belonging, or i3b) in the Division of Student...
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Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:38:34 -0400
[REPOST] Inaugural Asian Cultural Celebration & Awards
RSVP by today!
RSVP BY TODAY for our end of the year Celebration & Awards!
Student Belonging (formerly known as Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, & Belonging, or i3b) in the Division of Student Affairs has hosted celebration ceremonies for Latinx, Black, and LGBTQIA+ / queer students for several years. This year, we are excited to add the Asian Cultural Celebration & Awards to the lineup. These three affinity events will honor and celebrate the achievements of UMBC's outstanding community members and graduating students.
Inaugural Asian Cultural Celebration & Awards
Thursday, May 15, 2025
5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
University Center Ballroom 3rd Floor
This celebration commemorates the achievements of graduating UMBC students while celebrating the vast cultural diversity of Asian communities and heritage on our campus. We recognize the difficulty of choosing just one identifier or term to capture the vast diversity of all people with heritage in the Asian continent, representing 49 countries and hundreds of cultures. We seek to honor the breadth of experience of people across Asia - East, South, Southwest, West, and Central Asia.
During the gathering, we’ll enjoy food together, we’ll showcase keynote speakers, student musical and dance performances, and award presentations to honor student contributions, as well as the faculty and staff who’ve contributed to their success.
Light refreshments and appetizers will be served starting at 5:30 pm for all guests in attendance.
Graduates must check in no later than 5:45 p.m. The program will begin promptly at 6 p.m.
Dress code: We encourage all attendees and graduates to dress in their "celebration best." While cap and gown are not required, we would be thrilled to see attendees embracing cultural attires.
For those interested in attending, RSVP HERE (https://forms.gle/1Yg5fMgzj2VsdfGC8)! Graduates that RSVP between Monday, April 14th and Monday, April 28th at 6pm will be highlighted during the event and receive honorary graduation cords.
Folx are still welcome to attend even if there is no RSVP. Graduating students can register to be recognized day-of, but food and seating is only guranteed for those who RSVP'ed.
If you have any questions, please email co-chairs: Priya Bhayana, Project Manager, Global Asias Initiative at priyab@umbc.edu and Angelina R. Jenkins, Assistant Director for The Mosaic: Center for Cultural Diversity at arjenkins@umbc.edu.
This event is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.
]]>
RSVP BY TODAY for our end of the year Celebration & Awards! Student Belonging (formerly known as Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, & Belonging, or i3b) in the Division of Student...
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The Mosaic: Center for Cultural Diversity
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Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:36:52 -0400
Intern of the Week: Hiya Patel
Check out Hiya's internship!
Name: Hiya Patel
Pronouns: She/Her
Semester of Internship: Spring 2024
Major: Double Major in Information Systems and Financial Economics with An Accounting Certificate
Current Class Level: Senior
This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship
Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
Location of the Organization (City, State): Baltimore, Maryland
Title of position: External Audit Intern
Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
As an External Audit Intern at PwC, I assist with audit procedures such as reviewing financial statements, testing account balances, and evaluating internal controls. I attend team meetings to discuss progress, collaborate with clients to gather information, and help prepare workpapers. This role provides hands-on experience in auditing, enhancing my technical skills and client interaction.
Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?:
I learned about the PwC External Audit Internship in summer 2024 when the application opened for the winter/spring 2026 session. I applied as soon as the application became available, submitting my resume and cover letter. After that, I waited for an interview to showcase my skills and interest in the position.
What resources did you use to find your current experience?:
PwC website
What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?:
I’ve enjoyed most about my position as an audit intern at PwC is the opportunity to collaborate and communicate effectively with my team and clients. I’ve appreciated the supportive environment, where everyone is willing to help and guide me. Building connections with colleagues and learning from their experiences has been a valuable part of my internship.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?:
I believe I’ve made an impact through my work by contributing to the efficiency and accuracy of the audit process. By carefully assisting with audit procedures, reviewing financial statements, and collaborating with my team, I’ve helped ensure that clients receive thorough and reliable audit results. My attention to detail and proactive approach have allowed me to support the team effectively, allowing for smoother client interactions and timely project completion.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?:
My advice to student seeking an internship or similar experience is to focus on making connections rather than thinking you need to know everything. Attend career fairs, network on LinkedIn, and build relationships with professionals in your field. It’s not just about having the knowledge, but also about demonstrating your ability to connect, learn from others, and show your enthusiasm for the role. Building a network can open doors and provide opportunities that go beyond just your technical skills.
Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center:
The Career Center help me prepare for the application process, offering valuable resources, and providing the confidence to pursue this opportunity. Additionally, they supported me in adjusting to the challenge of balancing a full internship while taking six classes, helping me manage my time effectively and stay on track with both my academic and professional goals.
]]>
Name: Hiya Patel Pronouns: She/Her Semester of Internship: Spring 2024 Major: Double Major in Information Systems and Financial Economics with An Accounting Certificate Current Class...
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Career Center
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Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:36:43 -0400
Reminder: Campus Climate Survey Closes on May 2
Please share your voice for this important campus project
Dear UMBC Community,
As you know, UMBC is conducting an extensive campus climate survey to collect insights into UMBC community members' experiences and perceptions of engagement, belonging, and campus climate. Your voice is important in this effort.
Please use
this link to participate in the survey by the end of this week, Friday, May 2. It is vital that we have participation from as many members of our community as possible, including students, staff, and faculty, so we can create a more inclusive campus for all. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Shannon Tinney Lichtinger, director of institutional research and the research PI for this project, at
tinney@umbc.edu.
Thank you for taking the time to participate!
Sincerely,
Tanyka M. Barber, Vice President for Institutional Equity and Chief Diversity Officer
]]>
Dear UMBC Community, As you know, UMBC is conducting an extensive campus climate survey to collect insights into UMBC community members' experiences and perceptions of engagement, belonging,...
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Announcements - Campus
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Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:00:06 -0400
Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:50:16 -0500
Sign-Up to Volunteer for the Affinity Celebration & Awards!
Want to help? Here's how!
This form is the correct place to sign up to help with ANY of the 3 Celebration & Awards:Asian Cultural Celebration & Awards, taking place May 15th in the UC Ballroom from 5:30-8pm
Lavender Celebration & Awards, taking place May 19th in Commons Skylight from 5:30-8pm
Black & Latine/x Celebration & Awards, taking place May 20th in Commons Skylight from 5:30-8pm
We are seeking help with the following volunteer shifts and tasks for all events:
Set-up from 4-5:30pm: Set up of the space, including decorations, tables, tech, check-in tables, etc. We will also be seeking assistance with balloons, but understand they're very polarizing, so that will be a separate opt-in!
Check-in & Greeters from 5:30-6:15pm: Checking in students who are being recognized during the celebration, greeting guests as they arrive, answering questions, directing to restrooms, fireside, etc.
Clean up from 7:30-8:30pm (approx): Clean-up of the space and return of items to the Mosaic
Please feel free to sign up to assist with as many events or as many shifts as you are interested and available to help with. We will send out a final volunteer shift schedule via email. If you have any questions please contact Darcie Adams at
dadams4@umbc.edu.
This event is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.
