Students celebrated at Lavender Graduation

The LGBT Resource Center hosted its eighth annual Lavender Graduation April 16 for students, family, and friends.

The annual event recognizes the personal and academic achievements of graduating LGBT students and campus allies. Tony Josephson, who received his master’s degree in accounting in 2011 and is senior compensation consultant for Herman Miller, gave a keynote address. He was named a 2014 Lavender Graduation Outstanding Alumnus.

The late Milton E. Ford, professor of liberal studies and founding director of the LGBT Resource Center, was named the recipient of this year’s Fierce Award. Ford died March 19 after a battle with cancer.

“Lavender Graduation provides an opportunity for us to honor the achievement and recognize the scholarship of our LGBT and allied students,” said Colette Seguin Beighley, director of the LGBT Resource Center. “They have greatly enriched our Grand Valley community during their time with us, and they leave a lasting legacy.”