Rainbow Graduation Celebration
The Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion, the Kimmel Student Involvement Center, and the Office for the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs will host SIUE's Non-Traditional Graduation Celebration on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 4 p.m.
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
Participation in the SIUE Rainbow Graduation Celebration is open to all non-traditional SIUE undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who will earn their degree in December of 2020. Only students who have registered by Sunday, November 22, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. are guaranteed to be listed in the program, receive their recognition certificate and graduation cord.
Registration will open on Friday, October 30, 2020 and can be done by clicking HERE.
Registration will close on Sunday, November 22, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.. No exception. No additional participants will be added after this date.
This is a virtual event and can be accessed HERE
Rainbow cords will be mailed to the student at the address provided at registration.
Student should send a photo of themselves for the slideshow to inclusion@siue.edu. This does not need to be a formal headshot.
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 stole to wear at your SIUE Commencement Ceremony.
This is not a commencement ceremony. It is a pre-commencement celebration for any graduating non-traditional students and does not replace the formal SIUE Commencement ceremonies being posted on December 18th.
