The LGBTQ+ Center of Saint Mary’s College will hold their first Lavender Graduation Ceremony on Thursday, May 15, a ceremony for LGBTQ+ students and their families and friends to celebrate students’ achievements.
As noted on the Human Rights Campaign’s website, the first lavender graduation ceremony was created by Ronni Sanlo, a mother denied entry into her childrens’ graduation on account of her sexual orientation, at the University of Michigan in 1995.
College President Katie Conboy will give a welcome address at the ceremony, followed by a speech from senior Jeanett Ochoa. Jacqueline Leskovec ‘74 will give the keynote address.
According to Eli Williams, the associate director of the LGBTQ+ Center, students honored at the ceremony will receive a gift and a rainbow cord to wear for graduation. She looks forward to continuing the ceremony at the College in the future.
“I think it felt really important to honor our graduating seniors in a way that was positive and hopeful and celebrated all of their accomplishments over these past four years. This is a tradition at colleges and universities across the country, and Saint Mary’s is joining all of those,” Williams said.
Williams hopes that students feel represented and recognized for their work during the ceremony. Further, she hopes students depart from Saint Mary’s feeling like they are a part of an inclusive and welcoming community.
“I hope students feel valued, supported and [like] cherished members of Saint Mary’s College, given societal discrimination and oppression,” Williams said. “Being LGBTQ+ certainly has challenges, and we want to let students know that they are loved and part of a welcoming, affirming community. This is a way for us to celebrate this important milestone for our graduating seniors.”
The LGBTQ+ Center was established in 2021 as part of the “Revere and Revise: Saint Mary’s College 2030” plan under commitment one: "Achieve a Culture of Human Dignity and Solidarity.”
“This academic year is the first time the center has had a staff member, and as the assistant director, I’ve worked with the Division for Inclusion and Equity team to have a year full of programming and new initiatives,” Williams said. “It’s certainly been a year of firsts, and this is our final event of the academic year, and it feels like a fitting way to end this first chapter.”
Williams hopes LGBTQ+ alumni will feel comfortable seeing Saint Mary’s as their home.
“Congratulations and take a moment to feel proud of yourself. Saint Mary’s will always be here for you,” Williams said. ”You’re joining the alum network, and the connections you make here will last a lifetime. Pride SMC is the first alumni affinity group, and they will welcome you with open arms.”
