Thursday, April 16, 2026
5:00 - 7:15 pm
Michigan Union, Rogel Ballroom
The 32nd annual Lavender Graduation celebrates and honors LGBTQIA2S+ graduates and allies of all genders and sexualities at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
See below for graduate and audience registrations.
Register as a Lavender Class graduate
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 is now closed. Questions? Email [email protected].
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 2025 to December 2026.
Ceremony and graduate guests
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 through their graduate registration.
Join the audience
Cheer on our graduates! Friends, family, and campus champions are warmly invited to register to join the audience in person at Michigan Union, or request a livestream link.
If your graduate has named you as a guest in their Lavender Class registration, you do not need to complete this registration form.
In-person audience registration Virtual audience registration
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
Ronni Sanlo Cornerstone Award
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.
Excellence in Student Leadership
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.
Intersectional Advocacy Award
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.
Inspirational Influence Award
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.
Outstanding Volunteer
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.
A tradition started at 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.
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.
Have any questions?
Contact [email protected].
EVENTS
