Itanwa Orinwa (Our Story, Our Song) is a graduation ceremony dedicated to celebrating the achievements of Syracuse University graduates of color. ltanwa Orinwa was founded in 2002 at Syracuse University by a group of distinguished Black students.
The mission is to create an annual observance honoring all degree candidates who identify as being part of the African Diaspora. This includes, but is not exclusive to: African American, African, Caribbean and Latine students. The purpose of this celebration is to acknowledge the historical plight of our people’s pursuit to and through higher education systems, and to provide a historical voice and story that can be a legacy for generations to come.
The Class of 2024 Itanwa Orinwa keynote speaker is award-winning actor Taye Diggs.
2024 Registration Form
Degree recipients who would like to be honored during the ceremony, as well as faculty and staff who would like to process at the ceremony, are asked to complete the Itanwa Orinwa registration form by Friday, May 3. Non-degree recipients and all other attendees do not need to register.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Degree recipients who would like to be honored during the ceremony, as well as faculty and staff who would like to process at the ceremony, are asked to complete the Itanwa Orinwa registration form by Friday, May 3. Non-degree recipients and all other attendees do not need to register.
Registration information will be used to estimate total attendance for planning purposes. There this no limit to the number of guests you can bring. We ask that you confirm an estimated number of guests. You will not need to re-register or update your guest count if plans change.
The date for Itanwa Orinwa is May 10, 2024. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m.
The duration of the ceremony is usually two hours. Itanwa Orinwa 2024 is 6:30-8:30 p.m.
No, there will not be a formal reception. However, immediately following the ceremony, in the same location, there will be an opportunity to welcome, recognize and congratulate degree recipients. This will end at 9 p.m.
At this time, the guest count is not limited. All degree recipients who would like to be honored during the ceremony, as well as faculty and staff who would like to process at the ceremony, are asked to complete the Itanwa Orinwa registration form by Friday, May 3. Registration information will be used to estimate total attendance for planning purposes.
Syracuse University adheres to state and local public health guidelines that could impact the capacity in our on-campus spaces and will notify graduation candidates of any capacity limits prior to the 2024 Commencement weekend activities.
The JMA Wireless Dome follows the clear bag policy, which is still in effect for Commencement weekend. However, some exceptions will be allowed after proper inspection. Please ensure your bag does not exceed 10” x 10”. Strollers and diaper bags will be permitted. Both walk-through and handheld metal detectors will be in place and used at all JMA Dome entry gates for both graduates and guests.
Guests can enter the building via any of the gates at the JMA Wireless Dome.
The entry location for graduates is to be determined (TBD). Check back soon for more information.
No balloons with helium are allowed inside the JMA Wireless Dome.
Please visit the Commencement website for detailed specifics on any accommodations you may need.
Ceremony Photos
Class of 2023
