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 Latin 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 2023 Itanwa Orinwa keynote speaker is Sunny Hostin, attorney and three-time Emmy Award-winning legal journalist.
2023 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 Wednesday, May 3. Non-degree recipients and all other attendees do not need to register.
Save the date!
Class of 2023 Itanwa Orinwa (Our Story, Our Song)
Friday, May 12, 2023, 6-8 p.m.
Lally Athletics Complex
Itanwa Orinwa FAQs
Is pre-registration required for graduation candidates to participate in Itanwa Orinwa?
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 Wednesday, 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 asked that you confirm an estimated number of guests. You will not need to re-register or update your guest count if plans change.
What is the date and time of Itanwa Orinwa?
The date for Itanwa Orinwa is Friday, May 12, 2023. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the ceremony begins at 6 p.m.
How long is the ceremony?
The duration of the ceremony is usually two hours. Itanwa Orinwa 2023 is 6–8 p.m., with a reception immediately after the ceremony.
Will there be a reception?
Yes. The reception will begin immediately following the ceremony, in the same location. This reception gives everyone an opportunity to welcome, recognize and congratulate degree recipients. Reception will end at 9 p.m.
How many guests are graduates permitted to invite?
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 Wednesday, 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 2023 Commencement weekend activities.
Can I bring a purse, stroller or diaper bag into the The John A. Lally Athletics Complex for Itanwa Orinwa?
The John A. Lally Athletics Complex follows the clear bag policy in effect at the JMA Wireless Dome, which is still in effect for Commencement weekend. However, they are allowing some exceptions 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 John A. Lally Athletics Complex entry gates for both graduates and guests.
Where can guests enter the building?
Guests will enter through the entrances on the Comstock Parking Lot side of the building. Signs will be outside the entrance directing them inside.
Where should graduates enter the building?
The graduates will enter through the Colvin Street Parking Lot side of the building, specifically the football complex main entry. Signs will be outside this entrance directing graduates.
Can I bring balloons?
No balloons with helium are allowed inside the building.
Itanwa Orinwa Graduation Ceremony
Class of 2022
