Celebrating Our Graduates

Recognizing the Accomplishments of UNC Asheville's Class of 2023

By UNC Asheville

May 16^th, 2023

UNC Asheville celebrated its newest graduates with a series of special ceremonies leading up to the May 2023 Commencement on Saturday, May 6.

Special accomplishments were recognized at graduation ceremonies for first generation students and for veterans, as well as at the Donning of the Stoles ceremony and Lavender Graduation. The graduates' academic merits were celebrated at the Departmental Distinctions and University Honors Ceremony, leading into a special Senior Celebration for the full Class of 2023.

First Generation and Veteran Graduations

Students who were the first in their family to graduate from college and student veterans were honored in celebrations with their friends and families on Thursday, May 4, 2023. First Generation graduates received a green cord to wear at Commencement; veterans' cords are red, white, and blue.

Donning of the Stoles

UNC Asheville's Donning of the Stoles was celebrated on Friday, May 5, 2023, and is a time in which students of diverse cultural communities and various racial/ethnic backgrounds have their accomplishments recognized and their achievements applauded by the campus community and their loved ones.

Lavender Graduation

Lavender Graduation, celebrated on Friday, May 5, 2023, is a cultural celebration that recognizes graduating LGBTQIA students of all backgrounds. During this ceremony, these students’ accomplishments are recognized and we celebrate their impact on the UNC Asheville campus.

Departmental Distinctions and University Honors Ceremony

The Departmental Distinctions and University Honors Ceremony on Friday, May 5, 2023, recognized students receiving distinction for superior work within their departments; students who earned Latin Honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude); University Research Scholars; University Scholars; and Community Engaged Scholars.