“The importance of continuing to establish Lavender Graduation as an enduring, yearly presence on our campus cannot be overstated. This ceremony and celebration demonstrates tangible support for our LGBTQ+ community, and makes a huge impact. We were thrilled to receive support from weR Gold donors, as well as portfolios from across campus this past spring 2018 to fund this event and make it possible. We look forward to continuing to develop Rensselaer Lavender Graduation as a cornerstone of our campus Commencement celebrations,” said Rebecca Rouse, assistant professor in the Arts Department, who also serves as co-chair of the LGBTQ Task Force.

The Mission

Donations make this event possible from start to finish (preparations and execution of a celebration and ceremony for graduating LGBTQIA+ students of Rensselaer), letting LGBTQIA+ graduates and current LGBTQIA+ students know that even as members of a marginalized population on campus and in the community, they have, they can, and they will succeed!  The support provided by donors and attendees (alumni/ae, students, staff, faculty, family, and friends) only reinforces the dedication and commitment we have to our LGBTQIA+ students’ and graduates’ success.

What You're Supporting

Currently unfunded by the Institute, a task force of students, staff, and faculty volunteers fundraise for, plan, and execute RPI’s Annual Lavender Graduation (which will now be in its 3rd year, spring of 2019). The event serves to acknowledge and support the unique achievements and obstacles that many LGBTQIA+ students experience while studying at, and graduating from, a prestigious and rigorous institution of higher education like Rensselaer.

Without generous donations from our donors and campus partners, this event would not be possible. While the LGBTQ Task Force (volunteer staff and faculty of Rensselaer) are actively working to garner institutional support of this event, we would not be where we are today - heading into our 3rd Annual Lavender Graduation event - without the support of our dedicated donors and partners. 

Who We Are

The mission of the LGBTQ Task Force is to ensure that all students, staff, faculty, alumni, visitors, and guests of RPI have the right to safety and the expectation of safety in their personal identity and the expression of that identity, whatever it may be, within the bounds of both the law and mutual respect for the differences of other members of the Institute.  We pursue developments in policy, facilities, and the deployment of range of resources across campus to specifically support the LGBTQ members of the Rensselaer community, as well as working to advance diversity and inclusion more broadly.