Lavender Graduation

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

Awards:
  • 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 29th2021 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
  • Rose Pascarell and Ric Chollar Professional Service Award: Mark LaFrance, Mason Athletics & 2020 Recipient
    • 2021 recipient: Allie MineriPh.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: