Lavender Ceremony
The ceremony is an annual celebration conducted on numerous campuses to honor lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual students and to acknowledge their achievements and contributions to the College.
May 19, 2025 | 10 a.m - 12 p.m. | Buchner Hall
*Open to all students with private invitation to guests
The Lavender Ceremony was created by Dr. Ronni Sanlo, a Jewish Lesbian, in 1995 who was denied the opportunity to attend the graduations of her children because of her sexual orientation. Originally called the "Rainbow Reception", it has been a Goucher tradition since 2008, started by Goucher faculty after experiencing the Kente Ceremony.
The Lavender Ceremony recognizes graduating students of all genders and sexual orientations
and acknowledges their achievements and contributions to Goucher. During the ceremony
students share their hopes and dreams with one another and are recognized for their
leadership, successes, and achievements. Those who participate in the Lavender Ceremony
will receive the lavender cord, which serves as a recognition of their achievements
and symbol of their overall journey at Goucher.
More Information
- The Lavender Ceremony is an intimate gathering with a welcome remark, alum keynote address, and a reception.
- All participants will receive a lavender cord or lavender stole.
- Students may identify someone to don them with their cords or stole.