Recognition Ceremony

Graduation 2026 announcement

Please join us 

for sincerest congratulations and heart-warming speeches! We invite you, your family, and friends to our Recognition Ceremony.

This ceremony is one of the best you will attend! Each student will walk across the stage, receive a certificate of recognition, and shake hands with Director of Undergraduate Studies, Brian Lagotte, PhD., Director of Graduate Studies, Elizabeth MacGonagle, PhD., Associate Director of CGIS, Brittnee Carter, PhD, and CGIS Director Luciano Tosta, PhD. 

After the ceremony, we will take a group photo of our graduates and faculty members. All guests are invited to stay for a reception with cake and light refreshments. Please RSVP below (we welcome ~8 guests per student). Have a question? If you don't see it answered in Additional Information below the survey, reach out to Jennifer Duhamel.

RSVP HERE.

Additional Information

We will honor students who have completed the following degrees in spring, summer or fall 2026:

Master of Arts, Global & International Studies 
Bachelor of Arts, Global & International Studies
Minor, Global & International Studies
Minor, Latin American & Caribbean Studies
Minor, Middle East Studies
Minor, European Studies
 

Please note:

  • RSVP: By RSVPing, you will help us ensure that we have adequate seating, refreshments, and the correct certificates.
  • Certificates: Only students who submit an RSVP will have a certificate prepared for them. If you do not plan to attend but would like a certificate, please indicate that as you RSVP. You will be able to pick up your certificate around graduation. Certificates will not be mailed to students.
  • No tickets: We will not issue tickets for this ceremony.
  • Attire: We recommend wearing regalia or semi-formal attire.
  • Parking: Parking is available in the Mississippi Street Parking Garage. There is an hourly charge that can be prepaid inside the garage or with the ParkMobile app. More details can be found here: parking.ku.edu/parking-garages
  • Ceremony vs. Commencement: CGIS’ Recognition Ceremony is separate from KU Commencement which takes place on Sunday, May 17. See commencement.ku.edu for more information on Commencement.
  • Certificate vs. Diploma: The certificates presented at the CGIS Recognition Ceremony are not official diplomas. Visit registrar.ku.edu/diplomas for details on getting your official KU diploma.