Lavender Graduation

Lavender Graduation is an annual celebration to commemorate the contributions of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Allied communities at Columbia University.

The tradition first started at the University of Michigan in 1995. The color lavender, adopted by the gay movement in the 1960's, is the main color of Sayville, NY. Sayville is near Fire Island's gay enclaves.

The first Lavender Graduation at Columbia University was held on Sunday, May 13, 2007. Initially, graduating students wore business casual or formal wear, but starting in 2009, students began wearing academic regalia.

In 2009, J. Bryan Lowder CC '10 was commissioned by the planning committee to compose an official piece commemorating Lavender Graduation at Columbia titled Amid the Noise.

Lavender Graduation Speakers

2013 - Janet Mock 2012 - Laura Pinsky, BC '69 2011 - Pauline Park 2010 - Terry Martinez 2009 - Stephen Gee CC '84 2008 - Ann Kansfield CC '98) 2007 - Charles O’Byrne CC'81, Law '84