Rainbow Graduation Celebration and Pride Mixer
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 and Pride Mixer in the Morris University Center on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 4pm.
Event Details
Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 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 2023. Only students who register are guaranteed to be listed in the program, receive their recognition certificate and graduation cord.
After the Graduation Ceremony, you are invited to stay for a Pride Mixer, complete with appetizers, music, socializing and networking. Come as you are or dress to impress as we celebrate the Spring 2023 Rainbow Class and the spirit and comradery of the LGBTQIA+ community at SIUE!
Registration Information
Registration opens on March 6, 2023 and can be completed by clicking HERE.
- Student Registration will close on Thursday, April 13, 2023, 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.
- Faculty, staff, and others can register to participate in the event by clicking HERE.
*This is an in-person event in the Conference Center of the Morris University Center
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.
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.
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.
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