UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As another spring semester draws to a close, graduating seniors are preparing for final exams and the hard-earned recognition of graduation ceremonies. For some Penn State students, this tradition will include attending the 16th annual Lavender Graduation.
Hosted by the LGBTQA Student Resource Center, the Lavender Graduation ceremony is an event focused on recognizing LGBTQA+ graduates. Students who will receive their degrees in the spring and summer semesters will participate in an evening of reflection and recognition. This year’s ceremony will recognize 21 students.
The 2017 ceremony is slated for 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 21, in Heritage Hall in the HUB-Robeson Center and will feature a sit-down dinner, scholarship awards, recognition of students’ achievements, and an opportunity to thank those who have helped them along the way.
“Overall, it is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of our LGBTQA+ students and their allies,” said Sonya Wilmoth, assistant director of the LGBTQA Student Resource Center. “It is a time to highlight those students and the people that helped them along the way.”
Lavender Graduation is free and open to the public. Those interested in attending should register with the LGBTQA Student Resource Center, as seats are limited and in high demand.
The LGBTQA Student Resource Center is part of the Penn State Office of Student Affairs. For more information on Lavender Graduation or LGBTQA programming at Penn State, visit http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/lgbtqa/.