An annual springtime program hosted by Elon University’s Gender and LGBTQIA Center brought dozens of graduating students and their families together for a shared moment of love and support for one another in the days before Commencement.
It was the most joyous of celebrations of love, pride, identity and academic achievement.
Members of the LGBTQIA community gathered inside Alumni Gym on May 8 for an awards and recognition ceremony honoring soon-to-be graduates from Elon University’s Class of 2026.
Hosted by the Gender and LGBTQIA Center, the 14th annual Lavender Celebration recognized excellence, leadership and advocacy for and within the university’s LGBTQIA community. As they crossed the stage to be recognized, honorees were applauded by family, friends and mentors who filled the floor of a gymnasium ringed by flags that represented the identities of student participants.
Celebrants each received a rainbow stole symbolizing their commitment to inclusion, queer and trans joy, and the legacy of LGBTQIA communities at Elon and beyond.
“This moment is a reminder that being yourself is not always easy, but it is always powerful,” John Moses-Brownson, Elon University’s associate director of career advising for pre-professional health, said in welcoming remarks. “It’s something we build together, in community, in small acts of courage that add up over time. And getting to witness the results of your courage today is such a gift.
“Moments like this don’t just happen. They’re built by the people in this room, so thank all of you for building together for others and for yourselves.”
This moment is a reminder that being yourself is not always easy, but it is always powerful.
– John Moses-Brownson, Elon University’s associate director of career advising for pre-professional health
Elon’s program traces its origins to efforts in 2012 by Jess Huynh ’12 and Raafe Purnsley ’12, alongside Professor Kirstin Ringelberg and other community members, to organize the first celebration. In 2022, a complementary program was launched to recognize December graduates from the School of Law and the School of Health Sciences.
The latest ceremony included an awards presentation that recognized notable student and employee accomplishments and commitments to inclusion on campus.
Award Winners
Outstanding Graduates (Ahron Frankel ‘26 & Natalie Hudson ‘26): This award is for a graduate who has shown great dedication, passion, or awareness around gender & LGBTQIA identities or topics during their time at Elon University.
Employee Champion for LGBTQIA Inclusion (Abby Igoe, Assistant Director of Multimedia Projects and Turner Theatre Manager): A faculty, administrator, or staff member who has shown great dedication, passion, or awareness around gender & LGBTQIA identities or topics specific during their time at Elon University. This individual could be part of the LGBTQIA communities or an ally.
Event of the Year (“Dragstravaganza” hosted by the Events Team from the Gender and LGBTQIA Center): An event or initiative that has contributed to improving dedication, passion, or awareness around gender & LGBTQIA identities or topics specific to the 2025-2026 academic year.
Outstanding Scholar (Nia Bedard ‘26): This award is for a graduating student whose research, academic curiosities, and/or scholarship has demonstrated dedication, passion, and raising awareness for gender and LGBTQIA topics during their time at Elon. This individual may have written, coordinated, or presented a research project, paper for a class, or other type of academic document about gender and LGBTQIA topics.
Alumni Recognition and Encouragement
Near the conclusion of the ceremony, Jonathan R. Monti ‘08, a student affairs professional at Rollins College in Florida who serves as president of the Elon LGBTQIA Alumni Network, presented Elon alum David Carter ’92 with an honorary graduate stole in recognition of Carter’s work to create space, visibility, and belonging in the Alamance County community.
Monti also offered a message of hope and support for the students seated before him.
“For us as LGBTQIA individuals, community has never been optional. It has been life giving,” Monti said. “It is how we survive, how we celebrate, and how we build futures that once felt impossible. As you begin this next phase of your journey, know that you already have all that you need: your values, your voice, and your community. Wherever the journey may take you, create community, remain rooted in a practice of love and care and empathy, and always speak your truth, even when your voice may be unsteady.
“Today, we gather in the community to celebrate you, your resilience, your brilliance, your joy. Your successes in achievements are immeasurable. Your stories matter, and you belong. Now and always.”
Wherever the journey may take you, create community, remain rooted in a practice of love and care and empathy, and always speak your truth, even when your voice may be unsteady.
– Jonathan R. Monti ’08, president of the Elon LGBTQIA Alumni Network