Lavender Celebration
Each year the LGBTQ+ Center hosts a Lavender Ceremony to celebrate the achievements of our outstanding LGBTQ+ and ally graduating students. The Lavender Celebration is a unique ceremony held annually; it does not replace traditional commencement activities.
Participation in the Lavender Celebration is open to all Wake Forest University students graduating this year. You do not need to have an established relationship with the LGBTQ+ Center to participate in the Lavender Celebration. The entire Wake Forest community is invited to celebrate in this special occasion. The Lavender Celebration is held each spring during the evening on the last day of classes.
This year’s ceremony will be held on Monday, April 28th, 2025 at 6:00 pm EST. The Celebration will take place at the Barn at Reynolda Village (location tentative). Doors open at 5:30 pm EST. Light fare will be offered. Shuttle service begins at 5 pm from Benson University Center.
Lavender Celebration participants can choose to be recognized publicly or privately –we are excited to celebrate your achievements. All participants will receive a lavender cord, certificate, and small gift from the LGBTQ+ Center.
Register as a Lavender Celebration Participant
The student speaker(s) for the Lavender Celebration will have the opportunity to share a short message with attendees. Nominations for student speakers will be accepted until April 7th. 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 Celebration speaker(s).
We look forward to hearing poignant, inspiring, funny, talented, amazing messages from our Class of 2025.
We encourage everyone to attend the ceremony to support our participants! Staff, faculty, and non-graduating students are invited. RSVPing is not required but encouraged.
RSVP for Non-Graduating Celebration Attendees
