Wednesday, April 16, 2025
5:00 - 7:15 p.m.
Location TBA
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.
Lavender Class and eligibility
All LGBTQIA2S+ students who have graduated or will graduate from August 2024 to December 2025 are welcome to register for Lavender Graduation in April 2025. Students may register to receive Lavender Graduation regalia and giveaways (rainbow tassel, lavender cord, Lavender Graduation certificate, etc) without opting in to the ceremony itself.
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.
Nominate a person or group for an award
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. The awards categories are:
- Ronni Sanlo Cornerstone Award
- Excellence in Student Leadership
- Intersectional Advocacy Award
- Inspirational Influence Award
- Outstanding Volunteer of the Year
View and download photos from 2024
View and download Lavender Graduation photos from Spectrum Center's Facebook page—No login required! 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 these photos, contact Michigan Photography directly or visit photography.umich.edu to find this image in their public web gallery.
