LavGrad
LavGrad is a celebration to honor LGBTQ+ graduates of the University of North Dakota.
The LavGrad is a special celebration that recognizes LGBTQ+ students that are graduating in Spring, Summer or Fall semesters of the current year. Graduating students receive a lavender cord to wear with their academic regalia during UND Commencement. Pride Awards are also given at the celebration as a way to recognize students, faculty, and staff who have enhanced the campus climate for LGBTQ+ students. Graduating students are encouraged to invite friends, family, and those that have made an impact on their success to the LavGrad Celebration.
History of LavGrad
In 1995, the first Lavender Graduation celebration was held at the University of Michigan as a celebration for LGBTQ+ students in their achievements and contributions to the university, created by Dr. Ronni Sanlo, Director of the Lesbian and Gay Programs Office. Dr. Sanlo was denied the opportunity to attend the graduations of her children because of her sexuality. It was through this experience that she came to understand the pain felt by her students, thus creating an opportunity to address and recognize the difficulties of achievement in a climate that is often less desirable for LGBTQ+ students. The color lavender was chosen as it has become a symbol of queer resistance, community, and holds significance in LGBTQ+ history.
Pride Awards
The Pride Awards give us an opportunity to recognize outstanding individuals in the UND community who have contributed to the advancement of LGBTQ+ inclusion, community, education, support, programming, and advocacy.
LGBTQ+ Student Leader Award
The LGBTQ+ Student Leader Award recognizes one student for their outstanding leadership, commitment, dedication and service within the University for the LGBTQ+ community. This individual serves as a role model for their peers and demonstrates an ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ leadership, advocacy, activism, and education. Nominees must be active members of an LGBTQ+ student organization on campus.
Emerging Leader Award
The emerging leader award goes to a first-year LGBTQ+ student who has shown great potential in leadership. This individual has demonstrated a commitment to uplifting and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community on campus.
Outstanding Ally to the LGBTQ+ Community Award
The Outstanding Ally to the LGBTQ+ community award is given to an individual who has demonstrated and ongoing commitment and dedication to the UND LGBTQ+ community through allyship. This individual goes above and beyond to advocate for LGBTQ+ students, faculty, staff, and actively engages in work to create a more inclusive and equitable campus community. Students, faculty, and staff can be nominated for this award.
LGBTQ+ Advocate Award
The LGBTQ+ Advocate Award recognizes a faculty or staff member of the UND community that actively contributes to a positive campus for LGBTQ+ individuals. This individual may have achieved this through advancing LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum, expanding LGBTQ+ research in their field, engages in work to improve campus policies and climate, and goes above and beyond to create a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff.
LavGrad RSVP
Graduating students that would like to participate in LavGrad will need to RSVP by March 21, 2025.