Lavender Graduation Celebration 2025
Lavender Graduation Celebrations and Ceremonies are held nationwide every year. The event was started in 1995 at the University of Michigan by Dr. Ronni Sanlo when she was denied the chance to attend the graduation ceremonies of her biological children on the basis of her sexual orientation.
USI's Lavender Graduation Celebration takes place each spring on the Thursday evening before finals week. This year's celebration will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Any student (undergraduate and graduate) who will be participating graduating in Spring or Fall 2025 and identifies as a part of the LGBTQIA+ community is welcome to participate in this event.
Registration is required and the form to register can be found here. Participants are permitted to bring up to two guests. Guests do not have to be USI students.
Graduates may also nominate a Lavender Leader. Lavender Leaders are individuals within the USI community that have supported these students throughout their academic career at the university.
All graduates that participate will receive a lavender cord to wear at graduation along with a certificate. Lavender Leaders will receive a framed certificate.
If you have questions about participation or the event, in general, please email getinvolved@usi.edu.