Wednesday, April 16, 2025
5:00 - 7:15 p.m.
Michigan League, Ballroom
Lavender Graduation celebrates and honors LGBTQIA2S+ graduates and allies of all genders and sexualities at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Established by Ronni Sanlo in 1995, the inaugural Lavender Graduation at the University of Michigan was the first graduation celebration of its kind anywhere. Since then, it has inspired over 500 other schools to do the same.
View and download photos
View and download Lav Grad photos from Spectrum Center's Facebook page! Or share our Instagram grid posts to your story, and more.
These photos are copyrighted by Michigan Photography and the University of Michigan. To purchase, print, or use one of these photos, contact Michigan Photography directly or visit photography.umich.edu to find the image in their public web gallery.
Register as a Lavender Class graduate
We warmly invite all registered graduates to join us at the ceremony. Registration is now closed.
Lavender Class eligibility
Registered members of the Lavender Class to attend the ceremony and/or receive special regalia and recognition (rainbow tassel, lavender cord, and certificate). Graduates may register without opting in to the ceremony. This celebration centers LGBTQIA2S+ graduates, and is open to all students who have graduated or will graduate from August 2024 to December 2025.
Ceremony
Hundreds of Lavender Class graduates and supporters come together each April to celebrate their achievements. The two hour program includes a keynote, presentation of graduates, announcement of award winners, and a reception. Those choosing to attend the ceremony may invite up to three guests.
REMARKS TO THE LAVENDER CLASS
Dr. Dom Adams-Santos
Dom Adams-Santos is a qualitative researcher who centers questions of race, sexuality, and placemaking in the digital era. Specifically, she seeks to understand how individuals navigate the racial, gender, and sexual politics of digital and urban landscapes in their search for intimacy and community. She is the managing director of the Center for Racial Justice, a senior strategist for diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, and a strategic consultant for democratic engagement at U-M. Dr. Adams-Santos earned her PhD in sociology from Northwestern University and her BA in sociology with a minor in African American Studies from Smith College. Read Dom's full bio.
Nominate a person or group for an award
Award nominations are now closed.
During the Lavender Graduation ceremony, we recognize the accomplishments of the graduating class by awarding several individuals and groups who have impacted the LGBTQ community.
Award categories are:
- Ronni Sanlo Cornerstone Award
- Excellence in Student Leadership
- Intersectional Advocacy Award
- Inspirational Influence Award
- Outstanding Volunteer of the Year
The Cornerstone Award is given to a member of the graduating Lavender class to recognize a graduating student’s sustained and lasting commitment to the LGBTQIA2S+ community throughout their time at U-M.
This award is given to a member of the graduating Lavender class or student organization whose work throughout the year has made a lasting and significant change in the LGBTQIA2S+ community at the University of Michigan. Their involvement on campus has proven to positively impact and contribute to the LGBTQ community.
This award is given to a member of the graduating Lavender class, organization, or program that has shown outstanding dedication to honoring and advocating for the intersectional nature of students’ many identities with LGBTQ+ identities through their involvement and activities during their time at University of Michigan.
This award is given to a member of the graduating Lavender class to recognize an individual’s dedication and commitment to creating lasting social change around a particular social issue.
This award is given to a member of the graduating Lavender class who has dedicated their time and efforts to the Spectrum Center through one or more volunteer positions.
Have any questions?
Contact [email protected].
EVENTS
