I was pleased and honored to be the inaugural speaker for this Lavender Graduation. It is my hope that this will be the first of many Lavender Graduations at UIS. I would like to thank the students of the LGBTQ Resource Advisory Board for this opportunity.
Having heard me speak in the past, some of you may have guessed that I’m not in huge demand as a public speaker. So – let me just share some of the thoughts and observations I’ve had about this occasion.
A mound of dirt, two brown buildings and 500 students. This was the UIS I first knew. We opened our doors in 1970 to a homogenous student and staff population and our status in the community was simply that of “long haired hippies who wore floppy hats and had no respect for political figures.” Yet under the brim of those hats there was a passion to bring about social change and community advancement. Although queer advocacy was absent and for the most part, unknown, the ideals of social justice were primary to the university’s mission.
The 1970’s spirit of the university is carried forth by those we honor today. The graduating class of 2008 is reminiscent of the energy and enthusiasm for social justice that was present at the formation of this university. Today’s event, the first Lavender graduation, celebrates the continuation of those ideals
As we embark on this inaugural ceremony it is important to explore the history of lavender as a symbol of pride. The use of the color lavender grew from two separate symbols of hatred used to identify members of the queer community in Nazi Germany. A pink triangle served as the symbol of identification for gay men in concentration camps and a lesser known symbol, the black triangle was used to identify lesbian political prisoners. During the LGBTQ Civil Rights Movement these symbols of hatred were combined to produce a symbol of pride and community.
In 1995, Dr. Roni Sanlo realized that “LGBT students needed and, in fact, deserved to be recognized not only for their achievements but for surviving their college years” (Sanlo, R., 1999). While working as the director of the LGBT Campus Resource Center at the University of Michigan she noticed that other ethnic groups were hosting their own graduations, and as an enthusiast of all celebrations, Dr. Sanlo designed the first LGBTQ graduation celebration and called it a Lavender Graduation. She shared her idea with other colleagues and Lavender Graduations are now found in colleges across the country.
Today we celebrate a significant time in the history of UIS. Although I still work out of those same brown buildings, the landscape around me and the dedication of students has grown and changed. Many of our graduates today have brought LGBTQ issues to the forefront, and it is with those thoughts that I am reminded of the achievements you’ve made during your time at UIS.
Creation of the Safe Zone Program
In the past two years more than 200 people have successfully completed the Safe Zone Program.
Opening of the LGBTQ Resource Office Through student initiatives
Campus wide honoring of National Coming out Day and National Day of Silence
This year over 70 campus community members participated in National Day of Silence. This includes online and commuter students
The growth of QSA (Queer Student Association) into a formidable organization
As the acronym has changed so has the mission and strength of the organization. During the last two years QSA has developed into one of the strongest student organizations on our campus. Their commitment has been witnessed through both programming and advocacy.
Day of Dialogue
A community forum that addressed issues of diversity in a safe environment. Day of Dialogue has been featured at regional and national conferences and was the winner of the National Association of Campus Activities Best Diversity Program award.
AIDS Quilt
There has been a Presence at Preview Days and Orientation for the first time in the history of the University this year.
Wig out
Alternative Prom
Providing both high school and college students an opportunity to experience a prom in an accepting environment. This event also has a connection with the Phoenix Center
From your commitment and dedication over the past four years, a new and positive climate is emerging for those who follow. The graduates that we recognize today should be proud of their accomplishments and of the legacy they leave for those who follow.
Your collegiate journey provides the foundation for the rest of your lives. The toughness and enthusiasm that this graduating class possesses will undoubtedly lead to their success and ability to continue to push society forward.
The 1970’s spirit of the university is carried forth by those we honor today. This graduating class is reminiscent of the energy and enthusiasm for social justice that was present at the formation of our university.
Today we honor and recognize your leadership and achievements.
From Left to right: Ben Owen, Rachel Dasenbrock, Heidi Fisher, Daniel McCarthy, Chancellor Ringeisen, Rachel Olson, Jimmy Brower, Rich Sullivan and Chad Eversgerd
I hope that you look back at this time in your life with pride and use those values and the commitment you’ve shown here to produce change in the world outside. You have set the bar for students who will follow you. The paths you have blazed will allow students who would once have been invisible to be visible on this campus.
Congratulations and thank you.
Sanlo, R. (1999, Spring). Lavender Graduation: Acknowledging the Lives and Achievements of LGBT College Students. The Community Psychologist, 32(2), pp. 54-56.
