ABINGTON, Pa. — Hours before Penn State Abington’s spring 2023 commencement, the Sutherland Auditorium was filled with seniors and their loved ones for the campus’s traditional Cultural Graduation. Emotions in the space swung wildly between unrestrained joy and unabashed tears.
Hosted by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) at the end of each semester, the program celebrates students of color, first generation, and those who identify as LGBTQ+. And celebrate they did, with colorful dresses and carefully pressed shirts and pants peeking out from their graduation gowns and topped off with decorated caps.
Abington Chancellor Margo DelliCarpini shared the challenges she faced as a nontraditional first generation college student.
“There were times when I couldn’t go to school because I didn’t have the money or I didn’t have a babysitter,” she said. “Always remember that our unique experiences, our status, and our identity as nontraditional students are a positive influence.”
Aneesah Smith, the director of ODEI, reminded the audience that Abington is the most diverse campus within Penn State.
“We must truly treasure what we have at Abington. It’s a tremendous blessing,” she said.