Communities of Focus
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning+ and Ally Students
- Women and Gender Studies Major, Minor, Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS), and Certificate Students
- LGBTQ Studies Minors
Background
Lavender Graduations started at the University of Michigan as a way to celebrate LGBTQ+ graduates, in addition to the university commencement ceremony. Mason’s Lav Grad began in 2008 for that exact same purpose. Women and Gender Studies began partnering with LGBTQ+ Resources to combine ceremonies in 2016, as there are many students shared among both and it is a common model at many other universities.
2021 Lavender Graduation
View the recording of the program HERE. | Password: WgHn^9Lt
- Distinguished Lavender Graduates
- The Rose Pascarell and Ric Chollar Award Professional Service Award
- The Feminist Leadership Award
- The Suzanne Scott Constantine Award for Excellence
Synchronous ceremony held on Thursday, April 29th, 2021 at 6:00pm via Zoom. Opening and Closing remarks along with award recipient acceptance speeches available here.
Click the names of each presenter, award recipient, or category hyperlink for video clips from this year's graduation:
- Welcoming Remarks: Rose Pascarell, Vice President for University Life
- Feminist Leadership Award
- 2021 recipients: Jordan Boyle & Amanda Snead
- Rose Pascarell and Ric Chollar Professional Service Award: Mark LaFrance, Mason Athletics & 2020 Recipient
- 2021 recipient: Allie Mineri, Ph.D., Counseling and Psychological Services
- Suzanne Scott Constantine Award for Excellence
- 2021 recipient: Rey Wilson (no video was provided)
- WGST State of the Program: Tamara Harvey, Ph.D., Interim Director of Women and Gender Studies & Associate Professor of English
- Closing Remarks: Creston Lynch, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President for University Life
2020 Lavender Graduation
Awards:
- The Brian Picone Award for Leadership & Advocacy Excellence
- The Rose Pascarell and Ric Chollar Award Professional Service Award
- The Feminist Leadership Award
- The Suzanne Scott Constantine Award for Excellence
Click the names of each presenter, award recipient, or category hyperlink for video clips from last year's graduation:
- Welcoming Remarks: Rose Pascarell, Vice President for University Life
- Message of Support: Dr. Ann Ardis, Dean for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Address of the Class of 2020: Dr. Angela Hattery, Director & Professor, Women and Gender Studies
- Rose Pascarell and Ric Chollar Professional Service Award: Josh Kinchen, Associate Director for LGBTQ+ Resources
- 2020 recipient: Mark LaFrance, Mason Athletics
- Brian Picone Award for Leadership Advocacy & Excellence introduction: Josh Kinchen, Associate Director for LGBTQ+ Resources
- Undergraduate category presenter: Corwin Matthews, LGBTQ+ LLC Peer Advisor
- 2020 Undergraduate category recipient: Irina Tchernoskoutova
- Graduate category presenter: Julianna Napiecek, Graduate Program Assistant for LGBTQ+ Resources
- 2020 Graduate category recipient: Rhys Bethke
- Feminist Leadership Award
- 2020 recipients: Bennett Shoop & Sarah Crossen
- Suzanne Scott Constantine Award for Excellence introduction: Suzanne Scott Constantine, former Director, Women and Gender Studies
- 2020 recipient: Taylor Graham
- Celebration of Graduates
- Closing Remarks: Dr. Van Bailey, Assistant Dean & Director for Diversity & Inclusion