Lavender Graduation
Each year the LGBTQ+ Center hosts a Lavender Graduation ceremony to celebrate the achievements of our outstanding LGBTQ+ and ally graduating students. Lavender Graduation is a unique ceremony held annually to honor the struggles many LGBTQ+ students face in accessing and achieving in their education. It does not replace traditional commencement activities, but is a special time to come together in a community of celebration and honor our Lavender Graduates. LGBTQ+ and ally students graduating from their undergraduate, graduate or professional programs are invited to participate. The entire Wake Forest community is invited to celebrate in this special occasion. Lavender Graduation is held each spring during the evening on the last day of classes.
This year’s ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 1st, at 5:30 pm EST. The Ceremony will take place in the Magnolia Room in Reynolda Hall. Doors open at 5:00pm EST. Light fare will be offered.
Lavender Graduates can choose to be recognized publicly or privately – regardless of folks’ boundaries and comfort levels, we are excited to celebrate your achievements. Lavender Graduates will receive a lavender cord, certificate, and small gift from the LGBTQ+ Center.
The student speaker(s) for Lavender Graduation will have the opportunity to share a short message with attendees. Nominations for student speakers will be accepted through Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to nominate, and self-nominations are accepted. All nominees must be graduating from the college or a graduate program this May, August, or December.
Nominees will be notified of their nomination as they come in and will be asked to share a short overview of the topic they might speak on if selected. Nomination and topic information will be shared with a committee of faculty and staff who will select our Lavender Graduation speaker(s).
We look forward to hearing poignant, inspiring, funny, talented, amazing messages from our class of 2023.
We encourage everyone to attend the ceremony to support our graduates! Staff, faculty and non-graduating students are invited. RSVPing is not required but encouraged.
RSVP for Non-Graduating Ceremony Attendees
Add Lavender Graduation to your Google Calendar
