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Lavender Celebration
At the conclusion of each academic year, UB's LGBTQ+ Center hosts Lavender, a celebration open to all, centered around UB's LGBTQ+ community and allies 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 that LGBTQ+ students have a unique 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 pride tassel, lavender sash, and gift bag. All graduating UB students are welcome to participate.
Date and Location
Date: Friday, May 8
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: 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.
Important: Apply for Your Degree
2026 Commencement information is available. Please review this and other important checklist steps on the UB Commencement website.
Questions?
Contact the LGBTQ+ Center at lgbtq-center@buffalo.edu or 716-645-2339.
Eligibility
- You must be a registered undergraduate or graduate/professional student or a PhD candidate who will graduate in Summer 2025, Fall 2025, or Spring 2026.
- Registration info coming soon!
Regalia and Attire
Dress for the celebration is business attire, with the understanding that individuals may express professionalism in ways that best align with their personal or cultural expression.
The Rainbow Tassel
Students will receive receive a pride tassel and lavender sash, which may be worn to their academic ceremony. No regalia should be worn to or during the celebration.
Info coming soon.
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.
2025 - Derek Nichols
2024 - Ben Fabian
2025 - Park Cannon - Georgia State Representative
2024 - Emma Fabian - Evergreen Health
2023 - Da'Shun Harrison - Author
2022 - Rachel Parino - Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
2021 - Danielle Johnson - Daniel Ackers Scholars Program
2020 - no ceremony
2019 - Rev. Christopher Goodwin - MOCHA Center Rochester
2018 - Justin Azzarella - Evergreen Health
2017 - Dale Bauman - embraceWNY
2016 - Matthew Crehan Higgins- Pride Center of WNY
2015 - Margaret Sallee - Graduate School of Education
2014 - Kiera Duckworth - PhD Student in Sociology at UB
2013 - Jeffrey Platt - embraceWNY
2012 - Jonathan Katz - College of Arts and Sciences
2011 - Danielle Johnson - Daniel Ackers Scholars Program
2010 - Dr. Theresa Miklitsch - School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
2009 - Marvin Henchbarger - Gay and Lesbian Youth Services
2008 - Dr. Amy Reynolds - Graduate School of Education
2007 - Dr. Sherri Darrow - Wellness Education Services
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.
Your Academic Commencement
To learn more about your respective academic department's ceremony, please visit: buffalo.edu/commencement.
Student Life
University at Buffalo
230 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260
Phone: 716-645-2339
Email: lgbtq-center@buffalo.edu