Lavender Graduation is an annual ceremony on campus to honor LGBTQ+ graduates and the community that has supported them. These awards recognize the Cornell community who help, advocate for, and work toward creating an inclusive campus environment for all LGBTQ+ people.
Awards will be presented at Lavender Graduation on the evening of April 30th, 2026.
Nominations are due April 10th, 2026 at 11:59pm.
The awards are listed below:
Angel R. Hierro Lambda Award: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Professional Students
The Greek letter Lambda was selected as a symbol by the Gay Activists Alliance of New York in 1970. In December 1974, the lambda was officially declared the international symbol for gay and lesbian rights by the International Gay Rights Congress and is known to signify unity under oppression. This award is given to those who have contributed extraordinary service to the LGBTQ+ community. Awardees will have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and a commitment to bringing a spirit of unity to the LGBTQ+ community at Cornell University.
Coalition Building & Community Activism Award: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Professional Students
This award recognizes individuals who have utilized their skill and understanding of justice related issues and advocacy to create broad-based coalitions and conversations amongst the LGBTQ+ community and others on campus. These Individuals have provided strong, enduring, and consistent advocacy over time to broaden awareness and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues at Cornell and have worked toward positive change on campus.
University Support Award
This award is given to a faculty, staff, office or department that has been the most supportive of the LGBTQ+ community within the past academic year.
