Lavender Graduation & Awards Ceremony celebrates achievements of LGBTQIA students and employees – Elon University
By Michaela Zeno, staff
May 14, 2025
Hosted by the Gender and LGBTQIA Center, the May 9 program inside Alumni Gym recognized seniors and employees who have contributed their talents, knowledge and service toward building an inclusive university community for all people.
Elon University’s Gender and LGBTQIA Center hosted its annual Lavender Graduation and Awards Ceremony in Alumni Gym on May 9 to recognize excellence, leadership and advocacy for and within the university’s LGBTQIA community.
“Lavender Graduation is one of my favorite times of year as we celebrate students who have contributed to LGBTQIA inclusion at Elon,” said Luis Garay, director of the Gender and LGBTQIA Center. “It’s a special time of community and celebration. I am thankful to faculty, staff and students who volunteered to help with the event.”
Jon Dooley, vice president for student life, also offered remarks during the event.
Soon-to-be graduates received a rainbow stole, a lavender cap and tassel in advance of Elon University’s 135th Commencement on May 23. Stoles were placed by someone special and unique to each graduate whose name was called.
In support of the mission of Elon University, the Gender & LGBTQIA Center partners across campus and community to support, advocate, and educate around gender and LGBTQIA identities to create an inclusive campus community of equity, justice, and academic excellence for students, employees, and alumni.
Ahead of Lavender Graduation, several members of the Class of 2025 shared how the Gender & LGBTQIA Center nurtured their resilience, leadership, and advocacy throughout their college journeys.
After the ceremony, graduates and loved ones gathered for photos, laughter, and heartfelt congratulations. Award recipients were nominated and voted on by their peers in the graduating class.
Awards & Recognitions Events Faculty & Staff Student Experience
Commencement Gender & LGBTQIA Center Inclusive Excellence at Elon Student Life
People in this article:
Luis Garay
Director of the Gender and LGBTQIA Center
Julie Tonnesen
Associate University Chaplain
Jon Dooley
Vice President for Student Life and Associate Professor of Education
Becca Bishopric Patterson
Associate Director of Gender and LGBTQIA Center
Nijah Toshumba
Assistant Director of the Gender & LGBTQIA Center for Gender-based Violence Prevention & Training
Hosted by the Gender and LGBTQIA Center, the May 9 program inside Alumni Gym recognized seniors and employees who have contributed their talents, knowledge and service toward building an inclusive university community for all people.
The board-certified family medicine physician will lead Student Health Services and the Faculty/Staff Health & Wellness Clinic, in partnership with Cone Health, to support student and employee well-being through clinical care and medical oversight.
Elon University recognized four members of the Elon community for their excellence in teaching, scholarship, civic engagement and mentoring.
Residence Life celebrates student leaders, student employees, staff and faculty.
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