Lavender Graduation & Awards Ceremony celebrates achievements of LGBTQIA students and employees

Hosted by the Gender and LGBTQIA Center, the May 9 program inside Alumni Gym recognized seniors and employees who have contributed their talents, knowledge and service toward building an inclusive university community for all people.

��ϲ��’s Gender and LGBTQIA Center hosted its annual Lavender Graduation and Awards Ceremony in Alumni Gym on May 9 to recognize excellence, leadership and advocacy for and within the university’s LGBTQIA community.

“Lavender Graduation is one of my favorite times of year as we celebrate students who have contributed to LGBTQIA inclusion at ��ϲ��,” said Luis Garay, director of the Gender and LGBTQIA Center. “It’s a special time of community and celebration. I am thankful to faculty, staff and students who volunteered to help with the event.”

Jon Dooley, vice president for student life, also offered remarks during the event.

The photo shows a neatly arranged stack of white stoles with rainbow-colored stripes, laid out on a dark surface, likely a table. These stoles appear to be graduation stoles, often worn draped over the shoulders during commencement ceremonies. The rainbow pattern prominently represents LGBTQ+ pride, indicating that these stoles are likely for a Lavender Graduation ceremony—a celebration that honors LGBTQ+ students and their achievements. The vivid colors against the clean white fabric create a visually striking and meaningful display. — The rainbow stoles given to graduates during the 2025 Lavender Graduation.

Soon-to-be graduates received a rainbow stole, a lavender cap and tassel in advance of ��ϲ��’s 135th Commencement on May 23. Stoles were placed by someone special and unique to each graduate whose name was called.

In support of the mission of ��ϲ��, the Gender & LGBTQIA Center partners across campus and community to support, advocate, and educate around gender and LGBTQIA identities to create an inclusive campus community of equity, justice, and academic excellence for students, employees, and alumni.

Ahead of Lavender Graduation, several members of the Class of 2025 shared how the Gender & LGBTQIA Center nurtured their resilience, leadership, and advocacy throughout their college journeys.

After the ceremony, graduates and loved ones gathered for photos, laughter, and heartfelt congratulations. Award recipients were nominated and voted on by their peers in the graduating class.