Lavender Graduation

Lavender Graduation is a celebration that recognizes graduating students' contributions to IWU and the LGBTQIA community. Lavender Graduation is an opportunity for all students, faculty, staff, and guests to celebrate the accomplishments of IWU's LGBTQIA graduates for Spring, Summer, and Winter of that year. There is also a space for graduates to recognize the significant people in their lives who have helped them achieve their goals. 

The 2025 Lavender Senior Celebration will occur on Thursday, May 1st from 3 - 5 PM in the Memorial Center - Cartwright Room. Students interested in participating in this event can register here.

 

History

April 2014 marked Illinois Wesleyan's first ever Lavender Graduation celebration! The two faculty members that were recognized for their support of LGBTQIA students were Joanne Diaz (Assistant Professor of English) and Jennifer Crider (Visiting Instructor in Educational Studies). 

IWU's very first honorees included: Rebecca Blumer, Bobby Castillo, Athena Cocallas, Christopher Grills, Kelly Lamorena, Kevin Mangan, Calob Pluhm, Christopher Richardson, Jordan Riddle, Hannah Smith, Samantha Taylor, Amy Werner, and Kayla White. These graduating students exhibited excellent dedication to the LGBTQIA community during their time at IWU. 

Lavender Graduation has continued to be a cherished tradition housed out of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.