Lavender Graduation

9th Annual Lavender Graduation | Friday, April 17, 2026 @ 4:30-6:00pm

Lavender Graduation is a joyous and meaningful celebration honoring the achievements of Eastern’s LGBTQIA+ graduates and committed allies. This ceremony recognizes the resilience, community, and the journeys of our students as they step into their next chapters. All are welcome to join us for an evening of celebrating our students transition from their collegiate experience to their chosen fields!

Register to attend the 2026 event as a honored graduate or a guest at https://forms.office.com/r/mk561ZENmR

Participating graduating seniors must register no later than April 3, 2026.

AWARDS
The LGBTQ+ Campus Community Award and Academic Excellence Award are presented at the Lavender Graduation ceremony to recognize the contributions of graduating students who have committed their time and effort at Eastern to advancing an inclusive climate for academic excellence, service and LGBTQIA+ life.

Award nomination forms can be submitted at https://forms.office.com/r/hFhcgZ2vn8

Any supporting documents, including but not limited to letters of support, work samples, transcripts, etc., should be sent to the Pride Center Coordinator, Nicole Potestivo at potestivon@easternct.edu.

HISTORY
Lavender Graduation is an annual ceremony that allows LGBTQIA+ students and their allies to celebrate their accomplishments while recognizing the unique obstacles that many have faced during their collegiate careers. The concept of Lavender Graduation was originated by Dr. Ronni Sanlo in 1995 during her tenure as Director of the LGBT Center at the University of Michigan, which included three student participants.  Dr. Sanlo, a Jewish Lesbian, designed the Lavender Graduation Ceremony as a response to being denied attendance to her children's graduation due to her sexual identity. The ceremony was developed as a way of building community for LGBTQIA+ students while allowing them to celebrate their personal and academic achievements. Over 200 colleges and universities in the United States hold Lavender Graduation ceremonies on their campuses annually. 

Eastern Connecticut State University hosted their first Lavender Graduation on Thursday, April 28th, 2016 with the support of the former Pride Room Univeristy Assistant, Carolyn Taggart. The Pride Room has since expanded to become the Pride Center and joined the Arthut L. Johnson Unity Wing. Lavender Graduation continues on a signature annual event.