SAVE THE DATE
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
5:00 - 7:15 p.m.
Michigan League, Ballroom
Lavender Graduation celebrates and honors LGBTQIA2S+ graduates and allies at the University of Michigan. 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.
EVENTS
About Lavender Graduation
We warmly invite all our graduates to join us at the ceremony, but attendance is not required to be a part of the Lavender Class.
Registration opens February 24, 2025
Lavender Class and eligibility
Students must register as a member of the Lavender Class to receive Lavender Graduation regalia and giveaways (rainbow tassel, lavender cord, Lavender Graduation certificate, etc) and/or register for the ceremony. Graduates may register without opting in to the ceremony itself. This celebration centers LGBTQIA2S+ graduates, and is open to all students who have graduated or will graduate from August 2024 to December 2025.
Ceremony
Held each April, hundreds of Lavender Class graduates and supporters come together to celebrate their achievements. The approximately 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 two guests.
Lavender Graduation 2024 in photos
Check out the full album on Facebook—no login required.
Nominate a person or group for an award
Award nominations open February 10
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.
