Commencement

Other Graduation Celebrations

Pre-commencement ceremonies celebrate the extraordinary achievements made by students. These celebrations are organized by their respective organizations/programs and are separate from SIUE's official commencement. 

Always A Cougar Graduation Celebration

Thursday, December 10
Join us as we raise a toast to the Class of 2026! Celebrate your achievements and create lasting memories with fellow graduates at this special SIUE tradition. Enjoy a complimentary champagne toast, light appetizers, and your first SIUE alumni t-shirt (while supplies last)! We’ll have fun photo ops, a DJ spinning great music, and plenty of Cougar spirit as we honor your journey at SIUE. Don’t miss this chance to kick off your graduation festivities in style!

Join the Senior Campaign 
Leave a lasting legacy at SIUE by participating in the Senior Campaign! A gift of $20.26 in honor of your class helps fund scholarships—making a difference for future Cougars. With your donation, you’ll receive a commemorative cord to wear at graduation, showing your Cougar pride and commitment to giving back. Join your classmates in making an impact—give today and leave your legacy!

Affinity Graduation Celebrations

• Lavender Affinity Graduation Celebration, 4-5pm – MUC Conference Center
• Hispanic/Latinx Affinity Graduation Celebration, 6-7pm – MUC Conference Center

• Black Affinity Graduation Celebration, 4-6pm – MUC Conference Center 

• AANHPI Affinity Graduation Celebration, 3:00-4:00pm – MUC Conference Center
• Non-Trad Affinity Graduation Celebration, 5:30-6:30pm – MUC Conference Center

• International Graduation Celebration, 2-3pm – MUC Conference Center 

The deadline for Graduates to register for these celebrations is November 18th, 2026.

Guests may RSVP at: Guest RSVP - SIUE Affinity Graduations Fall 2026  Any questions about the celebration ceremonies may be sent to KimmelHub@siue.edu

Please reach out to kimmelhub@siue.edu with any questions about Affinity Graduation Celebrations. 

International Student Graduation Celebration 

For more information, contact isss@siue.edu.

Military and Veteran Graduation Celebration 

For more information, contact Telisha Reinhardt at treinha@siue.edu.

ACCESS Gateway Graduation Celebration 

For more information, contact Taylor Cross at taycros@siue.edu.