Lavender Graduation is a tradition at Mizzou which celebrates the accomplishments of LGBTQ graduates as they finish their time at the University of Missouri. All graduating LGBTQ students are invited to participate, no matter their level of involvement with the LGBTQ Resource Center or student organizations. All participants are recognized, given honor cords, and given the opportunity to thank a significant supporter who has helped them be successful socially, academically, or personally at Mizzou
Frequently asked questions:
What is Lavender Graduation?
Lavender Graduation is a graduation ceremony and tradition for LGBTIQA+ students, faculty, and staff at the University of Missouri. Each year, graduating members of the Mizzou lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and ally community are recognized during this special event. The ceremony is a moving and beautiful tribute to student resiliency, courage, pride, community, love, laughter, and success!
Who can participate as a Lavender Graduate?
Lavender graduates are any University of Missouri student who is graduating that May, Summer, or upcoming December. We especially love to see graduate and professional students! Representation matters!
Who can attend the ceremony?
All are welcome and encouraged to attend the ceremony! Friends, family, community members, faculty, staff, and administrators are all welcome to attend. There is no RSVP required.
Is there a certain style of dress required for this event?
Folks generally dress business casual for the event, as we do not require individuals to wear regalia. However, we encourage graduates to wear what makes them feel comfortable and celebratory.
For administrators, faculty, and staff, we recommend the same guidance as offered above for students: comfort and celebration.
Are there any costs associated with Lavender Graduation?
No, there are no fees or costs associated with the event.
Are there keynote speakers?
Graduates and their significant supporter are the keynotes at Lavender Graduation. Each student will be introduced by their significant supporter who will have the chance to speak about the impact the student had on them, the campus, etc. Following this, the graduate will be given the opportunity (although is not required to) speak to the impact that their significant supporter or other individuals had on their experience at Mizzou. This has been a favorite aspect of this program for many of our previous participants, and makes this a unique and special ceremony.
I’ve been named a Significant Supporter! What do I need to do?
Not much! Make sure that you’ve able to attend the event, and plan to speak about your graduate for a brief moment before being able to give them their honor cords. In the event that you aren’t able to make it, we are able to read some remarks for you regarding your graduate.