Lavender Celebration

A student holds a lavender plant, presented at the Lavender ceremony.

Friday, May 9, 2025 at 3 p.m.

At the conclusion of each academic year, the Intercultural and Diversity Center hosts Lavender, a celebration open to all, centered around UB's LGBTQ+ community from all majors, levels of education and backgrounds, who have successfully completed an undergraduate or graduate/professional degree from the University at Buffalo. 

About the Celebration

Recognizing the challenges that many LGBTQ+ students face on their journey to graduation, the Lavender celebration provides the opportunity for graduating students, family, friends, faculty, administrators, peers, allies, and supporters to embrace each student as they celebrate this important milestone at UB. During the Lavender celebration, graduates receive a rainbow tassel, lavender plant and lavender UB pin.

Date and Location

Friday, May 9, 2025
Time: 3–5 p.m.
Location: UB North Campus, Center for the Arts Drama Theater

Accommodations

Guests and Graduates requiring accommodations: If you or a guest need special accommodations, please email us. We’d be happy to meet with you to determine your needs for the celebration. On the day of the celebration, you can visit the Guest Services kiosk in the Center for the Arts for assistance.

Learn more about North Campus accessible routes
Important: Apply for Your Degree

2025 Commencement information is available. Please review this and other important checklist steps on the UB Commencement website.

Questions?

Contact the Intercultural and Diversity at stu-idc@buffalo.edu 716-645-2434

Eligibility

  • You must be a registered undergraduate or graduate/professional student or a PhD candidate who will graduate in Summer 2024, Fall 2024, or Spring 2025.
  • Registration for the 2025 Lavender celebration is now closed.

Regalia and Attire

The Rainbow Tassel

This tassel is given to students who participate in UB’s Lavender celebration, honoring achievements of graduating students who identify with the LGBTQ+ community. 

Lavender celebration tassel.

Co-sponsored by: Office of Inclusive Excellence and Office of Alumni Engagement

Leave Your Mark

Memory Slideshow:

  • It’s time to look back and share your memories! Upload your favorite photos of life at UB—from with your favorite culture clubs and friends to your favorite IDC events, lounging in the student union, dance competition, and more.
  • The deadline to submit photos for 2025 has passed.

Outstanding Faculty/Staff Award

This award honors an LGBTQ+ faculty or staff member, who is highly dedicated to fostering a positive, inclusive, climate on campus for LGBTQ+ individuals This may include inclusive curriculum practices, advocating for policy changes, raising awareness through programming or educational initiatives, or going above and beyond to ensure that the UB community has a brave and supportive space to fully express their authentic selves. 

Previous Speakers

LGBTQ Faculty and Staff Association's Pride Scholarship

During the Lavender Celebration, the Pride Scholarship is awarded by the University at Buffalo’s LGBTQ+ Faculty and Staff Association to a student who demonstrates academic success, financial needs, and a commitment to LGBTQ advocacy or education.

>> More information regarding the Pride Scholarship 

Your Academic Commencement

To learn more about your respective academic department's ceremony, please visit: buffalo.edu/commencement.

Photo Gallery: Lavender Celebration

  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • Hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, The Lavender Reception, held in May 2024 in the Student Union, celebrates the achievements of graduating students who identify with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community at UB. The ceremony welcomed graduating members of the LGBTQ community, as well as their families, friends, faculty, staff, and supporters.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.
  • The Lavender Reception, hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, in the Student Union in May 2022. According to the IDC, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students and their allies.

Intercultural and Diversity Center

Student Life

University at Buffalo
240 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: (716) 645-2434

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