2026 Silver Celebration

The Office of Equity and Inclusion, in partnership with the Student Development Division and the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies, is thrilled to announce the 6th annual Silver Celebration! This event is an end-of-year celebration recognizing students from the class of 2026 who have demonstrated a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice within our campus community.

During the evening, three exceptional students will be presented with Loyola’s Equity and Inclusion Award for their dedication to cultivating a community of belonging. Through their advocacy, compassion, and curiosity, they are departing Loyola’s campus having made it a more inclusive and equitable place for future Greyhounds.

The celebration is open to all undergraduate and graduate members of the class of 2026, and dinner will be provided! Business casual attire is suggested. 


When registering, attendees will also have an opportunity to select THRIVE, Cultural & Heritage, Disability, First-Generation, International, and LGBTQ+ graduation cords in recognition of their journeys and accomplishments. Cord options are as follows:

• THRIVE Students & THRIVE Organization Leaders. With a silver, black, and gold graduation cord, we celebrate the accomplishments of our students of color and/or students who have served in a leadership role within any of the THRIVE student organizations.
• Cultural & Heritage. With a silver, green, and gold graduation cord, we celebrate our graduates whose culture, heritage, and/or faith traditions have influenced their academic success and personal growth.
• Disability Students. With a teal, citrus-green, and orange cord, we celebrate the achievements of graduates who have successfully navigated their academic journeys with disabilities, including, but not limited to, physical, invisible, mental health, sensory, and neurodivergent disabilities. 
• First-Generation Students. With a silver-and-orange graduation cord, we celebrate graduates who are the first in their immediate family to earn a bachelor's degree and have successfully navigated the complexities of higher education to the completion of their degree this May.
• International Students. With a silver-and-cyan graduation cord, we honor our Class of 2026 International Graduates. 
• LGBTQPIA+ Students & Allies. With a silver-and-lavender graduation cord, we celebrate the accomplishments of our queer-identifying graduates and students who have demonstrated active allyship with the LGBTQPIA+ community during their time at Loyola.

How to Participate:
If you would like to be included in this year's celebration, please RSVP and complete the registration form by [...]. When you RSVP, you'll also be asked a series of questions to ensure we properly recognize you at the event.

Not Able to Attend In Person?
RSVP "Not Attending—Reserving Cords Only."  After the Silver Celebration, a follow-up email will be sent confirming the location for pickup. 

Questions?
Please contact Raven Williams at rdwilliams@loyola.edu and Itzel Mendez Serrano at iymendezserrano@loyola.edu.

Office of Equity & Inclusion | Website | View More Events
Co-hosted with: Cultural & Identity Support [Thrive Center], Disability and Accessibility Services, LGBTQ+ Student Services [Thrive Center], Office of Equity & Inclusion (OWNER), First Generation Student Success, Thrive Center for Student Success

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