The tradition of Lavender Graduation began at the University of Michigan in 1995. Dr. Ronni Sanlo, then Director of the University of Michigan LGBT Campus Resource Center, coordinated the first Lavender Graduation in order to acknowledge the achievements of LGBTQ graduates. By 2001, there were over 45 institutions were holding Lavender Graduation Ceremonies and the tradition continues to expand to additional colleges and universities across the country.

The color lavender plays a historic role in LGBTQ history. It’s a combination of the colors pink and black, which were once used to identify and discriminate against gays and lesbians. The LGBTQ community has reclaimed lavender as symbol of pride and community.

Please share the event details with any seniors, faculty, or staff that you work with.

RSVP Link: https://fairfield.campuslabs.com/engage/submitter/form/start/626970 (Closes April 1st at Noon)