The Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center's Congratulatory Celebration is an annual event held by BNAACC to honor graduates who are graduating from the University of Illinois with a bachelor, master, doctoral or professional degree, in a ceremony reflecting various traditions in the African diaspora.
2026 BNAACC Congratulatory Ceremony!
- Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
- Location: Activities and Recreation Center (ARC); 201 E. Peabody, Champaign, IL
- Livestream at: TBA
- Program booklet: TBA
- Time: 7:30-9:30 pm CT (Doors open at 6:30 pm CT)
- Cost: $85 Package
- The fee includes your participation in the ceremony, a congratulatory college group photo and an individual headshot, 2026 BNAACC Congratulatory t-shirt, class gift bundle, a memento congratulatory program, and a custom Kente cloth stole!
- Registration: https://go.illinois.edu/Congrats2026
- Registration closes Sunday, March 1st at 11:59pm. No late registration will be accepted.
- Questions? Email blackcongrats@illinois.edu
2026 Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in Black Congratulatory?
We recognize Illinois students receiving their Bachelor, Master, Doctoral or Professional degrees between May 2026 and December 2026.
How can I register?
Follow this link: https://go.illinois.edu/Congrats2026 !
Does it cost to participate?
Yes!
- Package Cost ($85): The fee includes your participation in the ceremony, a congratulatory college group photo and an individual headshot, 2026 BNAACC Congratulatory t-shirt, class gift bundle, a memento congratulatory program, and a custom Kente cloth stole!
What is included in the fee?
Great question! Here is the breakdown!
- Package Cost ($85): The fee includes your participation in the ceremony, a congratulatory college group photo and an individual headshot, 2026 BNAACC Congratulatory t-shirt, class gift bundle, a memento congratulatory program, and a custom Kente cloth stole!
Can I just pay for the stole?
Unfortunately, no - the fee is all or nothing. We do not provide an “A La Carte” option.
Will the ceremony be live streamed?
Yes! Here is the link: TBA
Do I need tickets and is there a limit to the number of family/friends I can invite?
Tickets are NOT required and there is no limit to the number of guests per graduating student. Seating is first come, first serve.
Is my cap and gown included in the fee? If not, then where can I get my regalia?
Your cap & gown are NOT included in the Black Congratulatory fee. Learn how to order your commencement regalia. Your cap and gown are ordered through Herff Jones Cap & Gown Company and requires an additional payment.
When is the Black Congratulatory Photo?
Date: Saturday, March 28th
Time:
- Arrive at 11:30 PM. You will check-in and get lined up.
- We will start photos promptly at 12 PM!!!
Location: Krannert Center for Performing Arts
- 500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801
All graduates are welcome to take the group photo regardless of registration status! Headshots are reserved for registrants only.
When is BNAACC Congratulatory Grad Week? And what are the activities?
- Black Grad Week!! April 20th - 24th!!
- Gradapalooza and a Service opportunity that we will post more details on soon!
Can I be refunded if I can not attend the BNAACC Congratulatory Grad Week Events?
No, There will not be partial or full refunds for missing or not attending BNAACC Congratulatory Grad Week events so take full advantage of these exciting events!
I'm concerned about the cost of Black Congratulatory Ceremony.
We understand the fee could be a factor in your participation! Please reach out to us at blackcongrats@illinois.edu with your concern and list sponsorship request in the subject line. We will try our best to match you to a sponsor. We cannot guarantee this, but we can guarantee that we will try our best to find a sponsor! We'd love to have you be a part of the ceremony!
Where Can I Park During The Ceremony?
Parking:
- Free spots in Lot E-24, west of the ARC (off of First Street)
- Free spots in Lot E-15, new parking garage on Pennsylvania Street across from the College of Law.
- Metered Parking on Peabody available
- Please DO NOT park in lot E-38, across from the ARC. This is a 24-hour Rental Lot for University Housing. You risk being towed.
Please check your email regularly and follow BNAACC on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Have additional questions? Please contact us at blackcongrats@illinois.edu
Title
Faculty & Staff Invitation
Saturday, May 16, 2026
We are excited to invite you to participate in the faculty/staff processional as we celebrate the achievements of our graduates, receiving their bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and professional degrees. Your presence and support play a vital role in making this event meaningful and vibrant.
Arrival Time: Please arrive by 6:15 pm at the Activities & Recreation Center (ARC)
Registration Deadline: March 28, 2026 at 11:59 PM CT