The William A. McClain Center for Diversity annually hosts this celebration for all students who identify within the LGBTQ+ community. Students will be presented with lavender cords, which may be worn at Commencement. Dinner will be provided. Registration is required.
- Click here to read about our 2024 Lavender Graduation Ceremony
- Click here to read about our 2023 Lavender Graduation Ceremony
- Click here to read about our 2022 Lavender Graduation Ceremony
- Click here to read about our 2021 Lavender Graduation Ceremony
Our 2024 Event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8:
- Hosted by McClain Center for Diversity
- Room 105, Joseph C. Shouvlin Center For Lifelong Learning
- 5-7 p.m.
- Click here for detailed information about Commencement
More About The Lavender Graduation Celebration:
A tradition that began in the mid-1990s across the country, this cultural celebration recognizes LGBTQ+ students of all ethnicities and acknowledges their persistence, leadership, and contributions to the University. Wittenberg joined the many colleges and universities in celebrating this occasion in 2019. As part of the celebration, students will be able to receive a lavender cord to wear at commencement (if they choose) and keep as a token of their success and hopefully remind them of their journey at Witt and the chosen family they’ve found along the way.
Who can attend and register for this celebration?
To be sensitive to LGBTQ+ graduates, we are asking them to identify their allies/support/advocates in the community who they would like to attend on their behalf. That can be anyone including, but not limited to, family, chosen family, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. Depending on a graduate's identity journey, it is important for the student to decide who they feel is best to attend for their safety and comfort.
If you have any questions and concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the McClain Center staff at wittdiversity@wittenberg.edu.