Lavender Graduation

2024 Lavender Graduation

Lavender Graduation builds on the university-wide commencement events as an officially supported ceremony honoring the achievements of graduating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and ally (LGBTQ+) students at Kent State University.

Save the date - Lavender Graduation 2024 will be held on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024. Are you a KSU student in the LGBTQ+ community that is graduating (any level) during Spring, Summer of Fall 2024? We want to celebrate you! All are welcome but registration is required, and will open in February 2024. Stay tuned!

2023 Lavender Graduation

The 2023 Lavender Graduation was held Friday, May 5th in the KSC Ballroom. Congratulations to our 2023 graduates! Below are video recordings of the 2023 LavGrad Alumni Keynote speaker, Student Keynote speaker, and Poetry Reading.

2021 Lavender Graduation commencement celebration!

Celebration Date and Time

Lavender Graduation's Virtual Celebration was held May 4th through May 8th on the LGBTQ+ Center's various social media platforms. You can watch the full video playlist by clicking here.

*An in-person celebration will still be held once it is safe to do so.

LavGrad Awards

Alumni Award: Awarded to a Kent State alumni who makes efforts to create a better world for LGBTQ+ identified people. Congrats Emmett Drugan!
Bridge Builder Award: A KSU student or organization that has worked collaboratively with LGBTQ+ organizations on campus to create a better place for LGBTQ+ identified people. Congrats Chazzlyn Jackson!
Community Award: Awarded to a community member who has worked to create a better environment on campus, in Kent, or in Ohio for LGBTQ+ identified people. Congrats Jacob Nash!
Faculty/Staff Award: Awarded to a faculty/staff member who has worked to create a better campus environment for LGBTQ+ identified people. Congrats Erica Pelz!
Out and Proud Student Leader Award: Out and proud LGBTQ+ identified student who exemplifies student leadership. Congrats Angela Molina!
Rising Star Award: First year student who has made tremendous effort to bring visibility, support, and leadership to the LGBTQ+ community at KSU. Congrats Mac O'Neill!

Information and Questions

If you have any questions, please call the LGBTQ+ Center at, (330) 672-8580 or email at, LGBTQSC@kent.edu.