Trending...
- The 2025 ESPY Awards After Party- Presented by Poppi & High Noon
- General Auction Company Announces August 8th Auction- Now Accepting Consignments
- $53 Million Company Valuation Investment with Majority Acquisition Option, Plus New Stock CUSIP Supporting Brand Transition of Fan Engagement Company
Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura colleges' students honored at celebration
CAMARILLO, Calif. - Californer -- Building on the success of last year's inaugural celebration, the Community Colleges of Ventura County proudly hosted the second annual Lavender Graduation on April 26, 2024, at Moorpark College. The districtwide ceremony was open to all students identifying as LGBTQIA+ who attend Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura colleges and Ventura College East Campus. Family, friends, and other supporters were invited as well.
This year's event was a sincere showcase of diversity and empowerment. The ceremony featured addresses from all three college presidents and inspiring speeches by three student speakers from each college, which underscored themes of resilience, inclusivity, and the importance of embracing one's personal identity.
"Each story I heard was a testament to the resilience and strength of our students," said Bernardo M. Perez, Board Chair. "Their candid reflections on struggle and success deeply moved me and highlighted the importance of recognizing the multifaceted achievements of our graduates—not just academic, but also the personal victories that define their unique and valuable identities."
More on The Californer
In a meaningful continuation of tradition, District employees from each of the colleges presented the graduating students with lavender stoles, emblematic of empowerment and pride within the LGBTQIA+ community. Additionally, students and employees received recognition for their exemplary leadership, steadfast advocacy, inspirational contributions, and supportive allyship.
"Visibility matters," shared Julius Sokenu, president of Moorpark College, in his opening remarks at the event. "The fact that we are here celebrating our graduates means we are making space for traditions that will become part of the culture of the Community Colleges of Ventura County—that is equity, and that is true representation."
Lavender Graduation, first held in 1995 to acknowledge the accomplishments of LGBTQIA+ students, has become a vital tradition celebrating inclusivity and diversity in academia. The ceremony stands as a heartfelt celebration that intertwines personal triumph and self-expression, affirming the importance of each student's achievements and the courage to live authentically.
More on The Californer
"Our LGBTQIA+ students' achievements and dedication greatly enrich our academic community, and we are proud to recognize and celebrate their successes," said Rick MacLennan, Chancellor.
The Ventura County Community College District prioritizes the support and inclusion of LGBTQIA+ students throughout the year. Some of these efforts include LGBTQIA+ scholarships, support groups, campus clubs, mental health services, Pride events, employee trainings, and partnerships with community organizations such as Ventura County Diversity Collective, among others.
For more information about Lavender Graduation, visit the LGBTQIA+ webpage (https://www.vcccd.edu/students/lgbtq).
This year's event was a sincere showcase of diversity and empowerment. The ceremony featured addresses from all three college presidents and inspiring speeches by three student speakers from each college, which underscored themes of resilience, inclusivity, and the importance of embracing one's personal identity.
"Each story I heard was a testament to the resilience and strength of our students," said Bernardo M. Perez, Board Chair. "Their candid reflections on struggle and success deeply moved me and highlighted the importance of recognizing the multifaceted achievements of our graduates—not just academic, but also the personal victories that define their unique and valuable identities."
More on The Californer
- Laube Titanium to Attend MADE Bike Show in Portland, Oregon
- A Century of Compassion: Butte Humane Society Hosts 114th Anniversary Gilded Garden Gala
- United Set to Hire More Special Olympics Athletes As Customer Service Ambassadors
- Exelon Leader Tamla Olivier Named 2025 Technologist of the Year by Waves of Change STEM Conference
- KIDZ BOP RELEASES BRAND NEW ALBUM 'KIDZ BOP 51' FEATURING HITS "APT" & "PINK PONY CLUB"
In a meaningful continuation of tradition, District employees from each of the colleges presented the graduating students with lavender stoles, emblematic of empowerment and pride within the LGBTQIA+ community. Additionally, students and employees received recognition for their exemplary leadership, steadfast advocacy, inspirational contributions, and supportive allyship.
"Visibility matters," shared Julius Sokenu, president of Moorpark College, in his opening remarks at the event. "The fact that we are here celebrating our graduates means we are making space for traditions that will become part of the culture of the Community Colleges of Ventura County—that is equity, and that is true representation."
Lavender Graduation, first held in 1995 to acknowledge the accomplishments of LGBTQIA+ students, has become a vital tradition celebrating inclusivity and diversity in academia. The ceremony stands as a heartfelt celebration that intertwines personal triumph and self-expression, affirming the importance of each student's achievements and the courage to live authentically.
More on The Californer
- Be Part of the World's Largest Art Biennale | Moons, Castles, Trees | Copenhagen Chronotopes
- California sends more search and rescue crews to Texas
- YourEggs Is Leading the Way in Providing Access to the Best Asian Egg Donors to Families Worldwide
- California: Governor Newsom and Acting Governor Kounalakis honor fallen CDCR Parole Agent
- California sues to stop Trump's politically motivated attack on high-speed rail
"Our LGBTQIA+ students' achievements and dedication greatly enrich our academic community, and we are proud to recognize and celebrate their successes," said Rick MacLennan, Chancellor.
The Ventura County Community College District prioritizes the support and inclusion of LGBTQIA+ students throughout the year. Some of these efforts include LGBTQIA+ scholarships, support groups, campus clubs, mental health services, Pride events, employee trainings, and partnerships with community organizations such as Ventura County Diversity Collective, among others.
For more information about Lavender Graduation, visit the LGBTQIA+ webpage (https://www.vcccd.edu/students/lgbtq).
Source: VCCCD
Filed Under: Education
0 Comments
Latest on The Californer
- WonderDays Launches the UK's First AI Experience Gift Finder – Gifting Just Got So Much Easier!
- CelluHeal™ Launches Full Line of Advanced Wound Dressings for Online Purchase in the USA, Canada, and Beyond
- California: Governor Newsom responds to Trump's latest gift to China: Defunding America's only high-speed rail
- California: Governor Newsom announces appointments 7.16.25
- California: Governor Newsom calls on Trump to end Los Angeles militarization, shares community resources
- City of Long Beach to Host Compost and Recycling Ambassador Program
- AMAZON DRIVERS IN CITY OF INDUSTRY JOIN THE TEAMSTERS
- Silva Construction Details Common Home Renovation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Governor Newsom invites LA Fire survivors to continue shaping rebuilding efforts through Engaged California
- DOGUE Magazine and CoverDogs Announce Series A to Redefine Modern Pet Culture
- Voices for Humanity Treks High into the Himalayas to Deliver the Way to Happiness with Meena Sharma
- Nonprofit innovator named Mensa Executive Director
- Following Trump cut to LGBTQ youth suicide hotline, California steps up to fill the gap
- Yasmine Roulleau named Managing Director in Vancouver, Canada
- Chasing Elizabeth Taylor — The Dazzling True Story Behind the Queen of Diamonds Now Available in Limited-Edition Hardcover
- Swim Up Hill Animation Premieres Pilot Episode of "The Adventure of Swim Up Hill"
- LOS ANGELES TEAMSTERS AT METRO TRANSIT RATIFY FIRST CONTRACT
- Calmwater Capital Funds $22.8 Million Loan to Refinance Retail Complex in Park City
- From Barrio to Transgender Pioneer: Chapter 14 Personal Injustices Faced by the Protagonist
- Blacksmith InfoSec and Liongard Launch Strategic Integration to Simplify MSP Compliance Audits