Main Content Region

Lavender Graduate Recognition Ceremony

About Lavender Graduation

The Lavender Graduation 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 their university.

The Lavender Graduation ceremony was created by Ronni Sanlo, a Jewish lesbian, who was denied the opportunity to attend the graduations of her biological children because of her sexual orientation. The first Lavender Graduation began at the University of Michigan in 1995 with three graduates. By 2001, there were more than 45 Lavender Graduation ceremonies at colleges and universities nationwide.

Congratulations Class of 2023!

The LGBTQ+ Faculty, Student, and Staff Association invite Spring 2023 graduates to participate in our 10th Annual Lavender Graduate Recognition Ceremony. The Association will honor the accomplishments of graduating Cal State San Bernardino lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer-identifying students. 

Event Details

When: May 6, 2023
Time:  11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: SMSU North Conference Center C& D

Register Now

Class of 2022

Download any of our 9th Annual Lavendar Graduate Recognition Ceremony photographs.

Download Photos

Student speaking at podium

Students smiling at a table

Student at the podium speaking

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lavender Graduation?

Lavender Graduation is California State University, San Bernardino's annual graduation ceremony for LGBTQ+ undergraduate and graduate/professional students. Similar to CSUSB Black Graduate Celebration and Latinx Graduate Celebration, Lavender Graduation honors students from within the LGBTQ+ community to commemorate their contributions to the university.

When is Lavender Graduation?

The 10th Annual Lavendar Graduate Recognition Ceremony is currently being planned for the Spring of 2023. Our date, time, and location will be announced later in the academic year. 

Who will be at Lavender Graduation?

Lavender Graduation has a keynote speaker who shares advice, words of wisdom, and their own life experiences with graduates. In addition, LGBTQ+ and allied faculty and staff members attend. Other community members from CSUSB organizations are invited. This is an open event, which means anyone from campus can attend.

What else happens at Lavender Graduation?

At Lavender Graduation, graduates are recognized and presented with a tassel and sash. The celebration also recognizes undergraduate and graduate student leaders as well as LGBTQ+ and allied faculty and staff members who have positively impacted LGBTQ+ life on campus. At the end of the celebration, there is a reception for all graduates and guests.

Is there any cost to participate in Lavender Graduation?

No, Lavender Graduation is FREE for graduates to participate in.

How long is the program?

The actual Lavender Graduation program is no longer than two and a half hours. We have an optional reception afterward for networking.

Who coordinates Lavender Graduation?

The LGBTQ+ Faculty, Staff, and Student Association assemble a Lavender Graduation planning committee each year. The committee consists of representatives from the Queer and Transgender Resource Center, LGBTQ+ FSSA, LGBTQ+ student leaders, and other interested students, staff, and faculty.  If you are interested in joining, please email lgbtqplus@csusb.edu. **

**The 2023 Lavender Graduation is being organized solely and kindly by Lee Stovall (Coordinator, Queer and Transgender Resource Center), and we owe them an enormous debt of gratitude.