Rainbow Graduation Celebration
The Inclusive Excellence, Education and Development Hub, and the Office for the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will host SIUE's Non-Traditional Graduation Celebration in the Morris University Center on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 4 pm.
What is the Rainbow Graduation Celebration?
Sometimes referred to as Lavender Graduation, Rainbow Graduation is a pre-commencement celebration to honor LGBTQ+ and ally students who, through unyielding determination and academic achievements, have successfully completed an undergraduate, graduate or professional degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The event honors their achievements, success and leadership in the university and allows for pride and recognition of their identity.
History of Rainbow Graduation
Dr. Ronni Sanlo is widely recognized as instituting the first Lavender Graduation in 1995 at the University of Michigan where she was Director of the LGBT Programs office. By 2001, there were Lavender Graduation ceremonies at over 45 colleges and universities nationwide.
RGC Event Details
Wednesday, April 27, 4pm
Conference Center, Morris University Center
Participation in the SIUE Rainbow Graduation Celebration is open to all SIUE undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who will earn their degree in May of 2022. Only students who register by 11:59pm on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 are guaranteed to be listed in the program, receive their recognition certificate and graduation cord.
Registration is now open and can be completed by clicking HERE.
Registration will close on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 11:59 pm. No additional participants will be added after this date. After registering, students will receive a confirmation e-mail from The Inclusive Excellence, Education and Development Hub (The Hub) with details/expectations for the event.
This is an in-person event held in the Conference Center at Morris University Center.
The Celebration will also be livestreamed via Zoom: http://tiny.cc/RainbowGrad and on our YouTube channel: http://tiny.cc/HubChannel
Program Booklet is available HERE
Faculty, staff, and others register HERE.
SIUE Rainbow Graduation Celebration is...
- An event for graduates to invite your family, close friends and those most important to you
- An opportunity to honor YOU and all you have accomplished at SIUE
- A special gathering you would ask a favorite professor or staff member to attend
- The event where you can receive your rainbow cord to wear at your SIUE Commencement Ceremony.
This is not a commencement ceremony. It is a pre-commencement celebration honoring LGBTQIA+ students and does not replace the formal SIUE Commencement ceremonies.
