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  • ABOUT
    • Employment
    • Organizational Chart
  • OFFICES
    • Director’s Office
    • Graduate & Professional Student Government
    • Health Promotion
    • LGBTQ+ Pride Center
    • New Student & Family Programs
    • Off-Campus Student Services
    • Student Assistance Services
    • Student Legal Services
    • Student Media
    • Women’s Resource Center
  • CONTACT US
  • GIVE NOW

LGBTQ+ PRIDE CENTER

About the Center | Programs | Presentations | Frye Award | Scholarships | Get Involved | Resources | Donate | Our Staff | Contact Us

LAVENDER GRADUATION

 

The Lavender Graduation Celebration is a cultural celebration that brings together the entire student body, faculty, staff and former students to recognize, affirm and celebrate the accomplishments for graduating LGBTQ+ undergraduate and graduate students and their allies. The ceremony also recognizes the students' contributions to Texas A&M University. The Lavender Graduation Celebration has been observed during the spring semester at Texas A&M since 2014 and honors those graduating in the spring, summer, or fall of the current calendar year.

In 1995, the first Lavender Graduation ceremony was coordinated at the University of Michigan by then LGBTQ Campus Resource Center director, Ronnie Sanlo. Dr. Sanlo realized that LGBTQ+ students needed to be recognized for not only their achievements but for surviving their college years. The graduation began as an effort for students to feel connected to their institution and celebrate their identities. Lavender Graduation is designed to support an institution's mission of excellent service, specifically one that embraces, enhances and celebrates the academic achievements of LGBTQ+ students and their allies.

Former Lavender Graduation Celebration Keynote Speakers
2021 - James ‘Wally’ Walter Brewster Jr. '21, Former United States Ambassador to the Dominican Republic
2020 - Hon. Annise Parker, President & CEO, LGBTQ Victory Fund & Institute
2019 - Dr. Robin Means Coleman, Texas A&M University Vice President and Associate Provost for Diversity
2018 - Deiadra Burns, ‘84
2017 - Dr. Patrick Lukingbeal '06 & '08
2016 - Mike Holloman '94
2015 - William Jardell '13, America's Next Top Model Contestant
2014 - Judge Phyllis Frye '70, First Openly Transgender Judge in the United States

2023 Lavender Graduation Celebration

The 9th annual Lavender Graduation Celebration will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023, with a reception for the graduates and their guests at 3 p.m. The ceremony will begin at 3:30 p.m. at the Stark Galleries and include addresses from university administrators, and the Aggie Pride LGBTQ Network.

Texas A&M University students graduating during spring, summer or fall 2023 should use the form below to RSVP for the Lavender Graduation Celebration no later than Thursday, March 16, 2023. 

RSVP for the Lavender Graduation Celebration
  • NOTE: This is the name that will be used on the celebration program, announced when you walk the stage and shown on the PowerPoint slide that will be visible as you walk the stage. Use whatever name you are comfortable with.
  • NOTE: These pronouns will be used in the celebration program, announced when you walk the stage and shown on the PowerPoint slide that will be visible as you walk the stage.
  • List the degree that you will earn this calendar year. (B.A. in English, B.S. Engineering, M.A. Higher Education Administration, etc.)
  • Do not use acronyms.
  • Do not use acronyms.
  • List any awards that you received during your time at Texas A&M University. Do not use acronyms or abbreviations. NOTE: This list will be printed in the ceremony program, read aloud as you walk the stage and will be shown on a PowerPoint while you walk the stage.
  • List any student organizations or programs that you participated in during your time at Texas A&M University. Do not use acronyms or abbreviations. NOTE: This list will be printed in the ceremony program, read aloud as you walk the stage and will be shown on a PowerPoint while you walk the stage.
  • How many guests do you anticipate at the event? We will have a reception before the event and will use the number you provide here to help us gauge how much food we will need.
  • Texas A&M students posing for a photo with props at Lavender Graduation
  • The Lavender Graduation keynote speaker at a speaker's podium.
  • photo booth props for Lavender Graduation.

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