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Celebrating LGBTQ students and allies

Two weeks before Plymouth State University honored the Class of 2015 at its 144th Commencement, a smaller and less formal, but deeply meaningful, celebration was held to recognize eight students who are part of the University’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community.

Lavender Graduation, an annual event that debuted at PSU in 2010, honors the achievements and contributions of LGBTQ graduating seniors, graduate students, and their allies. Over the years, “Lav Grad” has become a fixture among the campus activities and celebrations leading up to Commencement, with students, faculty, PSU administration, and community members in attendance to show their support.

“Lavender Graduation is the University’s way of saying, ‘We’re proud of your accomplishments and of who you are,’” says Kelsey Luttrell ’15, who earned her degree in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on gender studies.

Delilah Smith ’96, ’01G, ’11CAGS, ’14EdD gave the keynote address at the ceremony, sharing her struggle as an undergraduate to come to terms with her identity and how, with the support and encouragement of friends, professors, and PSU staff members, she came to embrace it. She closed with a few words of advice for the graduates as they begin their lives outside of PSU: “Seek out people who accept you for who you are, be persistent—view hurdles as challenges that make you stronger, take pride in yourself and most importantly, have fun out there!” –Barbra Alan

Tags: allies Commencement Delilah Smith graduation Kelsey Luttrell Lav Grad Lavender Graduation LGBTQ