April 5, 2024
Spectrum Center Lavender Graduation ceremony and reception May 5
The K-State Spectrum Center in Student Belonging and Inclusion invites students to register for the annual Lavender Graduation event at 2 p.m. on May 5.
Fall 2023 and spring 2024 undergraduate and graduate students should register to be recognized. The event is open to any community member, student, faculty or staff who would like to attend and show support. Please feel free to register and indicate that you are a guest in the biography section of registration.
This year's keynote speaker is alumnus Dusty Joe Garner. This event will also recognize K-State Alumni Center awardees, distinguished faculty and staff, distinguished alumni and student leadership.
Register for the Spectrum Center Lavender Graduation here.
Lavender Graduation is a cultural celebration that recognizes LGBTQ+ and ally students for their achievements and contributions to the university as students who have been successful at the college experience. Through such recognition, these students may leave the university with a positive last experience of the institution, thereby encouraging them to become involved mentors for current students as well as financially contributing alumni.
Lavender Graduation builds on the universitywide commencement events as a ceremony celebrating and recognizing our K-State seniors. The event is held prior to the academic commencement ceremony to facilitate participation before the conclusion of the academic year. Graduates receive a rainbow tassel and an honorary Spectrum Center certificate.
The tradition of Lavender Graduation began at the University of Michigan in 1995 with just three graduates. Now, there are move than 80 colleges and universities holding Lavender Graduation ceremonies, and the tradition continues to expand to additional colleges and universities across the country. The color lavender plays a historic role in LGBT history and in the community. It's a combination of the colors pink and black, which were once used to identify and discriminate against gay and lesbian people. The LGBT community has reclaimed lavender as a symbol of pride and community.
For any questions, please contact the Spectrum Center at lgbt@k-state.edu.