Queer Resource Centers

Rainbow Graduation Ceremony

Rainbow Graduation

2025 Rainbow Graduation date to be determined.

A circle of colorful ribbons surround a white circle to create a rainbow. White circle in the center has white dots surrounding it and wears a graduation cap to its upper left corner. Red and orange cursive and print text reads: Rainbow Graduation +Awards Ceremony at Rock Creek Event Center 17705 NW Springville Rd GRADUATES: tinyurl.com/rnbwgrads GUESTS: tinyurl.com/rnbwrsvp AWARDS: tinyurl.rnbwawards

The Portland Community College Queer Resource Centers look forward to celebrating our ninth annual Rainbow Graduation + Awards Ceremony honoring LGBTQ+ graduating students and allies and celebrating the contributions of the queer and trans community at PCC in Spring 2025.

Be on the lookout for more information about our 2025 Rainbow Graduation + Awards Ceremony. Coming soon!

Rainbow Graduation

Graduates will receive a rainbow stole. We encourage you to wear your stole with pride at the official PCC commencement ceremony!

Important notes:

  • Attire is open to the graduate’s discretion. Rainbow Graduation does not replace the official PCC commencement ceremony; no caps and gowns, please.
  • You will not receive your diploma at this event.
  • Rainbow Graduation is a public ceremony, therefore we cannot guarantee the privacy of those participating, as graduates may be in pictures or videos our office takes or that other attendees take.
Awards Ceremony

The Portland Community College Queer Resource Centers are excited to celebrate our annual awards ceremony recognizing the successes and contributions of the queer and trans community at PCC.

All members of the PCC community are invited to nominate individuals, departments, and organizations for the following awards:

  • OUTstanding Student Leader of the Year Award
  • Gender Justice Award
  • Bridge Builder Award
  • Instructor of the Year Award
  • Alumni Award
  • Ally of the Year Award

Self-nominations are permitted and encouraged!

Selected recipients and their nominators will be invited to attend PCC’s Rainbow Graduation + Award Ceremony. Spring 2025 date to be determined.

History

Rainbow Graduation Ceremony is an annual event occurring in the Spring honoring LGBTQ+ graduating students and allies and celebrating the contributions of the queer and trans community at PCC. The first Rainbow Graduation Ceremony in 2017 was attended by over 100 people and celebrated 15 graduates and 6 outstanding individuals and departments. During remote operations from Spring 2020 to Spring 2022, we distributed rainbow stoles to graduates via mail. In 2023, we returned with an in-person ceremony! We look forward to continuing the tradition of celebrating our LGBTQ+ graduating students in years to come.