Daemen University’s Center for Diversity & Inclusion hosted ceremonies to celebrate graduating students of LGBTQ+ and ALHANA identities and their allies leading up to commencement weekend.
The ninth annual ALHANA (African, Latinx, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American) graduation ceremony was held on May 3 and recognized the achievements of Daemen’s racially and ethnically diverse graduates. Following tradition, students received ALHANA stoles to be worn at graduation.
“This ceremony recognizes the nuanced challenges these students have overcome to reach their goals and provides a sense of belonging to a community that often experiences tremendous culture shock during their journey,” said Tiffany Hamilon, the university’s chief diversity officer.
The historic Lavender graduation, which honors lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer students, took place on May 5 to celebrate their achievements and contributions to the Daemen. A lavender cord was presented to each student to be worn with their academic regalia during commencement.
Daemen’s spring commencement ceremonies will take place on Saturday, May 20 at Kleinhans Music Hall. The undergraduate ceremony will be held at noon with the graduate ceremony to follow at 4 p.m.