Our 2023 Lavender Graduation Celebration will be held in the Great Hall on May 11 from 3pm - 5pm
The Lavender Graduation Celebration is one of the many traditions LGBTIQA+ students, faculty, and staff have created at Iowa State. Each year, in anticipation of University Commencement, graduating members of the Iowa State lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and ally community are recognized during this special event. Our Lavender Graduation Celebration gives us the chance to individually recognize the accomplishments that have enabled our graduates to reach graduation from Iowa State University. All spring, summer, and fall 2023 graduates of ISU are invited to participate, and the entire Iowa State community is invited to attend!
As always, graduates who participate in Lavender Graduation Celebration will be honored with a lavender stole, which has become a famous symbol associated with the event. We hope you will wear this with honor and pride at the University Commencement Ceremonies, as a symbol of your accomplishments and the ISU LGBTQIA+ community!
As a congratulatory gift for 2023 graduating students, all graduates who register for the Lavender Graduation Celebration will have the opportunity to participate in a Mini-Session Graduation Photoshoot! Folks can wear their regalia, something special for them that symbolizes their journey at ISU (a white coat, a work uniform, etc.), or even get a professional headshot! These photos are our gift to celebrate YOU & your amazing accomplishment!
More information about the 2023 photoshoot to come!
Is the Lavender Graduation Celebration open to everyone?
Absolutely! All graduating students at Iowa State University are welcome to register for the Lavender Graduation Celebration. The entire ISU community, as well as family and friends, are welcome to attend.
If I am a graduate and participate in the Lavender Graduation Celebration, can I still also participate in University Commencement?
Yes! The Lavender Graduation Celebration is not a substitute for University Commencement. It is a smaller community celebration where we can individually and collectively honor students' accomplishments. We encourage you to participate in the larger University Commencement even if you also attend our celebration.
Will I receive my diploma at the Lavender Graduation Celebration?
No. We do not hand out diplomas or confer degrees at the Lavender Graduation Celebration.
Is there a cost associated with participating in the Lavender Graduation Celebration?
No. The celebration is our gift to our graduates and their families, friends, allies, and supporters. You are our guests!
I or one of my guests will need accommodations in order to participate in the Lavender Graduation Celebration. What should I do?
We want all of our graduates and guests to be able to participate fully in the celebration. If you or one of your guests needs accommodations, please email center@iastate.edu. Accommodation requests are easier to accommodate if we have two week's notice.
Save the date for May 11th! All are invited, including family, friends, and supporters are invited to join us for this year's Lavender Graduation Celebration. We've included helpful information for you about the event below. If you have questions, please email center@iastate.edu.
Location: Great Hall in the Memorial Union
Date: May 11
Time: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Parking Information: It is best to park at the Memorial Union Parking Ramp, costs associated with parking at this location.