Lavender Senior Ceremony is an annual ceremony conducted on numerous campuses to honor lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and ally students and to acknowledge their achievements and contributions to the University. The Lavender Graduation Ceremony was created by Dr. Ronni Sanlo, a Jewish Lesbian, who was denied the opportunity to attend the graduations of her biological children because of her sexual orientation. It was through this experience that she came to understand the pain felt by her students. Encouraged by the Dean of Students at the University of Michigan, Dr. Sanlo designed the first Lavender Graduation Ceremony in 1995. The first Lavender Graduation began at the University of Michigan in 1995, with three graduates. By 2001, there were over 45 Lavender Graduation Ceremonies at Colleges and Universities nationwide. Please visit http://www.hrc.org/resources/
The RRC coordinates Lavender Senior Ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of graduating LGBTQ students and allys. Graduating seniors are invited to participate in these unique celebrations with their families and friends. RSVP here. At each Lavender Senior Ceremony the RRC recongnizes a student leader(s) for their contributions to the community. For more information about nominating a graduating senior click here. For FAQs please click here.