SAVE THE DATE: 2018 Lavender Graduation & Pride Awards will be taking place Thursday April 26 at 630PM in the Griggs Center. More information about registration & Pride Award nominations coming soon!
This annual event honors the accomplishments of the UMD LGBTQIA+ community and our graduating LGBTQIA+ students. This event is free & open to everyone.
Pride Awards are chosen through a nomination process & selected by a review committee. Winners of Pride Awards will be notified prior to the event to encourage attendance. The following Pride Awards are honored during the ceremony:
> Student of the Year: (Does not have to be a graduating senior). Recognizes one student for outstanding contributions and commitment to the UMD LGBTQIA+ community. This individual's efforts and service has resulted in new programs/initiatives, improved resources and/or broadened awareness around the needs and experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. This student serves as a role model to their peers and demonstrates dedication to LGBTQIA+ activism, advocacy and/or education.
> Outstanding Faculty/Staff Award: Recognizes an LGBTQIA+ or aspiring ally faculty/staff member who strives for creating a positive climate on campus for LGBTQIA+ individuals. This may be through inclusive curriculum practices, challenging procedures and policies, building awareness around LGBTQIA+ experiences in programming or educational efforts, and/or for going beyond their area of focus to ensure that the UMD LGBTQIA+ community is offered a brave and inclusive space to be their authentic selves.
> Best Initiative/Program Award: Recognizes a new(er) or recently updated campus program or initiative that has intentionally centered, strengthened awareness, and/or improved the experiences of the community. This could be through policy, program execution, or other impactful efforts that directly serve the LGBTQIA+ community.
> Community Contributor Award: Recognizes a community member who has made noteworthy contributions to the UMD LGBTQIA+ community. This individual has crafted a meaningful relationship with the campus and has committed to maintaining a valuable coalition with UMD to advocate for LGBTQIA+ individuals.