Lavender Celebration

Lavender Celebration recognizes graduating students' contributions to IWU and the LGBTQIA community. Lavender Celebration is an opportunity for all students, faculty, staff, and guests to celebrate the accomplishments of graduates for spring, summer, and winter of that year. There is also a space for graduates to recognize the significant people in their lives who have helped them achieve their goals. 

 

History

April 2014 marked Illinois Wesleyan's first ever Lavender Graduation celebration! The two faculty members that were recognized for their support of LGBTQIA students were Joanne Diaz (Assistant Professor of English) and Jennifer Crider (Visiting Instructor in Educational Studies). 

IWU's very first honorees included: Rebecca Blumer, Bobby Castillo, Athena Cocallas, Christopher Grills, Kelly Lamorena, Kevin Mangan, Calob Pluhm, Christopher Richardson, Jordan Riddle, Hannah Smith, Samantha Taylor, Amy Werner, and Kayla White. These graduating students exhibited excellent dedication to the LGBTQIA community during their time at IWU. 

Lavender Graduation has continued to be a cherished tradition housed out of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.