Eastern Mennonite University

Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) holds its annual commencement ceremony each spring (and for some graduate programs) where graduates process in academic regalia. Graduates are required to order regalia through Herff Jones, via EMU’s registrar, which includes the cap, gown, and tassel. Undergraduates also receive a stole as part of their regalia package, while master’s students get a hood instead.

One distinctive honor at EMU is the “Cords of Distinction,” awarded to up to ten graduating seniors for leadership, community engagement, and embodying EMU values. The cords are blue and gold: blue symbolizing wisdom and gold representing achievement.

EMU is also known for its Donning of the Kente ceremony: graduating seniors may opt to wear a handwoven kente stole (or a satin sash featuring flags from their cultural heritage) during Commencement, honoring international roots and multicultural identity. For LGBTQ+ graduates, EMU offers a Lavender Graduation, and participants are awarded rainbow stoles to wear at the main Commencement.

Academically, graduate students (master’s or doctoral) wear a hood whose velvet and satin lining reflect their discipline, as per EMU’s academic regalia policies. The doctoral gown includes wide velvet lapels and velvet chevrons on sleeves.

Overall, EMU’s commencement regalia reflects its commitment to diversity, faith, and academic excellence: graduates wear traditional cap and gown, honor students are recognized with blue-and-gold cords, multicultural graduates may don kente stoles, and LGBTQ+ graduates are honored with rainbow stoles — all under a cohesive academic regalia framework.

EMU Academic Regalia Kit – Cap, Gown & Tassel Set

Prepare for your Eastern Mennonite University graduation with an officially supported regalia kit. Order includes cap, gown, tassel, and optional honor cord or cultural stole.

• Royal blue graduation gown — signature color for EMU undergraduate and graduate regalia :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Classic mortarboard graduation cap
• Tassel included: Coordinated tassel from the official Herff Jones EMU regalia package :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Cords of Distinction: Blue & gold honor cord representing leadership, wisdom, and university values :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• Kente stole: Optional regional or heritage stole from EMU’s Donning of the Kente Ceremony :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Rainbow stole: Optional LGBTQ+ pride stole from EMU’s Lavender Graduation tradition :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Graduate hood: Velvet-trimmed, discipline-colored hood (white, light blue, drab, green, peach, etc.) for master’s and doctoral graduates :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Order your EMU regalia kit now and celebrate your graduation in style, honoring both your academic work and your personal identity.

Note: To confirm the exact colors of the graduation gown, cap, tassel, honor cords, and stoles for your specific program at Eastern Mennonite University, you can reach out directly to the college's administration or the office responsible for commencement and student services. They can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding academic regalia.