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For Ian Shick, the University’s Lavender Graduation ceremony is a particularly meaningful celebration that brings Chargers together each year. It’s a fun and lively event that builds community, while recognizing the accomplishments of members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies.

The 3^rd annual ceremony served as a fun and meaningful way to recognize new graduates and to celebrate all they have achieved. More than 100 members of the Class of 2023 were recognized at the ceremony, something Shick says is especially poignant.

"Lavender Graduations represent an undying resilience of LGBTQ+ people to find joy whenever possible,” said Shick, assistant director of LGBTQ+ resources in the University’s Myatt Center for Diversity and Inclusion. “That’s especially true today when it feels that every state, every store, and every place you go can be or is unsafe. Finding joy in being your authentic self, no matter what they say about you, is a powerful experience.”

The Lavender Graduation, which was started at the University of Michigan in the mid-1990s, recognizes the achievements of graduates who are members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies, and it acknowledges that graduating as an LGBTQ+ person can be challenging, says Shick.

The ceremony included performances by Mia E Z'Lay, who served as the event host, and Moxie Angel, who performed during the intermission. Erick Russell '09, Connecticut’s State Treasurer and an attorney with a passion for public service, delivered the keynote address. Russell, himself a member of the LGBTQ+ community, has served as an advocate for marginalized communities and as a mentor – particularly for Black and LGBTQ+ youth.

‘They do matter’

As part of the event, several new grads were recognized for their dedication to the University community. Kayla Herlihy ’23 accepted the Unsung Hero award, and Jared Champa ’23 received the Ally of the Year award.

Mary Lippa ’23 was recognized as part of the ceremony as the University’s activist of the year. Mike Lawlor, J.D., an associate professor of criminal justice who has been a dedicated advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, presented the Mike Lawlor Icon Award to Liv Knight ’23.

During the celebration, members of the Class of 2023 also received cords that they wore at Commencement. It was an important reminder and celebration of their achievements as well as their identities.

“My hope is that this experience, that cord, can be a reminder that someone saw them like they did when I graduated,” said Shick. “That that feeling will be with them, and I hope that they will pass it on to another Queer or Trans person who just needs someone to see them and tell them that they do matter."