ROYAL FILES
PHOTOS BY RACHEL HOLDERMAN '18
COMMENCEMENT
INAUGURAL LAVENDER GRADUATION Recognizing LGBTQ+ students, present and past
APPROXIMATELY 100 GRADUATES AND ALUMNI were honored in front of a standing-room-only audience at EMU’s first Lavender Graduation in May. The event recognizes LGBTQ students of all races and ethnicities and acknowledges their achievement and contributions to the university. The graduation ceremony was the first such among the Mennonite colleges and universities in the USA and Canada, according to Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Jackie Font-Guzmán. It was also the culmination of several events during spring semester centering LGBTQ history and story – of individuals, the community, and the institution itself. Such events are important for building community, affirming values, and helping to heal, said Font-Guzmán in her speech welcoming the audience to the graduation. “Rituals are one of the oldest ways to mobilize the power of community for healing,” she said. “Today, through this ritual, we make the caring for our community tangible, we enact and
4 | CROSSROADS | SPRING/SUMMER 2022
Senior Hannah Leaman is presented with a rainbow stole by Professor Kathy Evans at the university's first Lavender Graduation. The May 6 event, which was also open to alumni, preceded EMU's main Commencement. The celebration honored the accomplishments and experiences of the LGBTQ community past and present at EMU.
affirm our values, we create a space of protection and safety, and we create an opportunity for authentic transformation. Students, you have made this space possible through your leadership and passion. EMU is a better place today because of you.” The program included two student speakers, representing undergraduates and graduates, who shared their stories about being a part of the LGBTQ community. Professor Kathy Evans, education professor and faculty advisor to Safe Space, gave the keynote address. Participants were given rainbow stoles to wear during Commencement. Graduates at EMU traditionally wear these colorful vestments, which symbolize countries or regions of the student’s intercultural travels and/or their identity.
