First Lavender Graduation honors LGBTQ students and allies

University of Richmond held its first Lavender Graduation to celebrate LGBTQ campus life and to honor LGBTQ community members and their allies.

"The idea of Lavender Graduations comes from LGBTQ students who do not usually have family support at commencement, or are not out," Ted Lewis, associate director of Common Ground, said. "So, it's hard to talk about the great stuff they've done on campus. It's a great opportunity for them to be out and share that prior to commencement."

Nineteen LGBTQ and ally students received graduation certificates and lavender cords. They were recognized for their accomplishments and for their plans after school.

The Common Ground office, the LGBTQ Spiders Alumni Group and the Office of Alumni and Career Services hosted the ceremony Thursday, April 25.

The night began with a dinner and Lewis' introductory speech, which he said had been centered on the community's progress, as well as the history of Lavender Graduations.

Steve Bisese, vice president for student development, also spoke about the community's accomplishments.

Guy Ross, alumnus and emeritus board of trustees member, and senior Jah Akande gave keynote speeches. Ross discussed 30 things that every Lavender graduate should know and Akande reflected on his time at Richmond.

The Common Ground office chose Akande and Ladelle McWhorter, professor of philosophy, environmental studies and WGSS (women, gender and sexuality studies), as the student and faculty recipients of the Ally of the Year Awards. Lewis said that they had been chosen because they had received the most nominations.

Their names will be added to the plaque in the LGBTQ lounge.

McWhorter said that she had always tried to assist students with issues regarding sexual diversity. She has made many contributions to the LGBTQ community, such as helping to found the Safe Zone program and helping to change the university's non-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation.

At the end of the night, students had the opportunity to join the LGBTQ alumni group.

Lewis said that despite having expected about 30 people to attend the graduation, 60 people came representing all five schools at the university. Students of the School of Professional & Continuing Studies and the Law School usually do not participate in LGBTQ activities, he said.

Lewis hopes to make the Lavender Graduation an annual tradition at the university, he said.

Senior ally Abbey Warchol, who was recognized at the ceremony, said that she had heard positive feedback about the event.

"I thought it was really great," she said. "And I know a lot of my friends said it was one of the more meaningful experiences they had. It was a great time to regroup and celebrate what we've done over the past four years."

Contact reporter Jamie Edelen at jamie.edelen@richmond.edu