The Lavender Reception celebrates the accomplishments of LGBTQ+ students, as well as their allies, and is open to all UB LGBTQ+ graduating students.

LGBTQ+ themed buttons, along with buttons with pronouns, were available for graduates and guests.

Each graduate received a small lavender plant.

The reception begins.

Allen Williams, student activities associate in the Intercultural and Diversity Center, welcomes everyone to the reception.

Kevin Ahuna, director of the Intercultural and Diversity Center, delivers opening remarks.

Ben Fabian (at podium) and Dylan Steed of the LGBTQ Faculty and Staff Association introduce the Pride Scholarship winner.

This year's recipient is Hannah Krull.

Rachel Parrino, a UB alumna and native Western New Yorker, deliverd the keynote address. Parrino founded Parrino Consulting, which specializes in LGBTQ+ training and consulting.

In addition to lavender plants, graduates received certificates.

Graduates share in each other's accomplishments.

And celebrated their success.

Graduates Arriel Bartley-Thompson (second from left), Sigourney James (center) and Josephina Nimarko (second from right) pose with Allen Williams (far left) and Kevin Ahuna (far right) after the reception.