Hosted by the Gender and LGBTQIA Center, Lavender Graduation is a ceremony that honors graduating students who identify within the LGBTQIA communities.
Elon University hosted the 12th annual Lavender Graduation and Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 10, in Alumni Gym to celebrate and recognize students, faculty, undergraduate research and more. The Gender and LGBTQIA Center (GLC) first celebrated Lavender Graduation in 2012.
“Twelve years ago, then-students Raafe-Ahmaad Purnsley and Jess McDonald alongside Dr. Kirsten Ringelberg coordinated the first Lavender Graduation at Elon,” said Luis Garay, director of the Gender and LGBTQIA Center. “Since then we at Elon have celebrated Lavender Graduation every single year.”
Participating members of the Class of 2024, received a rainbow stole, lavender cap, tassel and a framed certificate before their commencement ceremony. As their names were called, graduates had someone bestow the stole on them.
Garay said it was exciting to move the celebration this year to Alumni Gym to accommodate the increased participation by students as well as the campus and community guests who attend to celebrate the soon-to-be graduates. This year, 70 students signed up to participate, Garay said.
For the awards, the graduating class nominated and voted on their peers. People were recognized across four categories: Outstanding Graduate, Employee of the Year, Event or Initiative of the Year, and Research Project of the Year.
Outstanding Graduates
- Syd Danziger ‘24
- Danny Gutierrez ‘24
Employee of the Year
- Kevin Bourque, associate professor and chair in the Department of English
Event/Initiative of the Year
- Matthew Bobzien ’24 for Breakthrough, A Queer Arts Festival recognized for Event of the Year
Research Project/Scholar of the Year
- Mallorie Sievert ’24 for “The City-Women.”
Friend of the Gender and LGBTQIA Center
- Alexa Lowey, event scheduling coordinator, in recognition for service and support of Lavender Graduation.
“Though Lavender Graduation is not unique to Elon as many college campuses across the country have a graduation ceremony celebrating their LGBTQIA graduates, what is unique about Elon’s Lavender Graduation is that is rooted in student advocacy,” Garay said.
Lavender Graduation is part of a wide range of celebrations during 2024 Commencement. Visit Elon’s commencement website for more details about upcoming events.