Lavender Graduation & Awards Ceremony celebrates achievements of LGBTQIA students and employees

By Michaela Zeno, staff

May 14, 2025

A student wearing a rainbow stole raises their fist and smiles proudly on stage at an Elon University event, as others applaud in the background.
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.

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.

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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.

The photo shows a neatly arranged stack of white stoles with rainbow-colored stripes, laid out on a dark surface, likely a table. These stoles appear to be graduation stoles, often worn draped over the shoulders during commencement ceremonies. The rainbow pattern prominently represents LGBTQ+ pride, indicating that these stoles are likely for a Lavender Graduation ceremony—a celebration that honors LGBTQ+ students and their achievements. The vivid colors against the clean white fabric create a visually striking and meaningful display.
The rainbow stoles given to graduates during the 2025 Lavender Graduation.

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.

  • A smiling student wearing a rainbow graduation stole is helped by a man in a suit during a ceremony at Elon University.
  • A speaker stands at a podium with the Elon University logo, addressing an audience seated in front of a backdrop lit with green, blue, and purple lights.
  • A student grins while holding up a certificate and folder on stage, wearing a rainbow stole near the Elon University podium.
  • Two audience members smile for the camera, one holding a small rainbow flag, surrounded by a diverse and engaged crowd.
  • A group of students walk in a celebratory procession, with one student in a purple dress excitedly waving a pansexual pride flag.
  • A speaker in a suit stands at the Elon University podium addressing the audience during a Lavender Graduation ceremony.
  • Two smiling students sit together in the front row of a large, cheerful audience at an Elon University event.
  • A student in a pink dress and rainbow stole raises a fist in celebration on stage while another claps nearby, as a speaker reads from the podium at an Elon University event.
  • A student wearing a rainbow stole and black tie smiles confidently on stage beside the Elon University podium as two people stand behind them.
  • This photo depicts a celebratory event held in a large indoor venue, likely an auditorium or multipurpose hall, at Elon University (as indicated by the signage above the stage). The occasion appears to be a graduation ceremony, specifically a Lavender Graduation, which is a special ceremony honoring LGBTQ+ students and their achievements. Key Elements in the Photo: Stage Setup: A central stage features a podium with the Elon University logo. Multiple individuals are seated and standing on stage, likely including graduates, speakers, and university staff. A large screen on either side of the stage displays the name "Janiece Brown" along with personal photos and information — indicating graduates are being individually honored. Audience: The audience is seated in rows facing the stage, attentively watching the proceedings. The room is fairly full, suggesting strong support and attendance. Decorations: Two large balloon pillars in rainbow colors are positioned at the front, symbolizing LGBTQ+ pride. The stage is draped with curtains lit by rainbow-colored lighting, reinforcing the event’s theme of inclusivity and celebration of LGBTQ+ identities. Atmosphere: The mood is festive and respectful, appropriate for a graduation-style recognition ceremony. Attendees are casually but neatly dressed, and some are taking photos or videos. This event is a vibrant celebration of identity, achievement, and community support within an academic setting.

Award Winners

Outstanding Graduate

Rachael (Mae) Curington ‘25

Three women smile on stage as the woman in the center holds an award plaque at an Elon University event.
(Left to right) Nijah Toshumba, assistant director of the Gender & LGBTQIA Center for gender-based violence prevention and training; Rachael (Mae) Curington ‘25 and Becca Bishopric Patterson, associate director of Gender and LGBTQIA Center during Elon University’s Lavender Graduation on May 9, 2025 in Alumni Gym.

James Hemmingway ‘25

Three people smile on stage as the person on the right holds an award plaque at an Elon University event.
(Left to right) Nijah Toshumba, assistant director of the Gender & LGBTQIA Center for gender-based violence prevention and training; Becca Bishopric Patterson, associate director of Gender and LGBTQIA Center and James Hemmingway ’25 at Elon University’s Lavender Graduation on May 9, 2025 in Alumni Gym.

Jayla Martin-Beasley ‘25

Three women smile on stage as the woman in the center holds an award plaque at an Elon University event.
(Left to right) Nijah Toshumba, assistant director of the Gender & LGBTQIA Center for gender-based violence prevention and training; Jayla Martin-Beasley ‘25 and Becca Bishopric Patterson, associate director of Gender and LGBTQIA Center

Employee Champion for LGBTQIA Inclusion 

Rev. Julie Tonnesen, associate university chaplain

Three women smile on stage as the woman in the center holds an award plaque at an Elon University event.
(Left to right) Nijah Toshumba, assistant director of the Gender & LGBTQIA Center for gender-based violence prevention and training; Rev. Julie Tonnesen and Becca Bishopric Patterson, associate director of Gender and LGBTQIA Center during Elon University’s Lavender Graduation on May 9, 2025 in Alumni Gym.

Event of the Year 

Trans and Queer Art Showcase

Two students smile and hold up an award plaque together on stage at an Elon University ceremony.
Two students accept the Event of the Year Award for the Trans and Queer Art Showcase at Elon University’s Lavender Graduation on May 9, 2025 in Alumni Gym.

Outstanding Scholar

Christina Stafford

Three women smile on stage as the woman in the center holds an award plaque at an Elon University event.
(Left to right) Nijah Toshumba, assistant director of the Gender & LGBTQIA Center for gender-based violence prevention and training; Christina Stafford ’25; and Becca Bishopric Patterson, associate director of Gender and LGBTQIA Center during Elon University’s Lavender Graduation on May 9, 2025 in Alumni Gym.

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