On Thursday, December 9, the Shippensburg University Pride Center hosted a Lavender Graduation ceremony in the Ceddia Union Building. Celebrated each semester, Ship’s Lavender Graduation honors LGBTQIA2S+ students and acknowledges their achievements and contributions to the university. All students, including cisgender, heterosexual students are welcome to partake in the celebration.
According the Stephanie Jirard, chief diversity officer, Lavender Graduation started nationally in 1995 to celebrate LGBTQIA2S+ graduates and those in solidarity with them. All allies, friends, loved ones, and supporters are invited each year to the event.
Moriary Hathaway ’19, executive director at the Pennsylvania Commission for Women, returned to campus to share words of encouragement to the graduating seniors.
“I was trying to think of words of advice to give you about success and finding a career that you love, but honestly you already know what to do. By being here, living your truth, you already have the key to success,” she said.
