Lavender Ceremony
Lavender Ceremony is a recognition of Bates College’s LGBTQ+ and ally members of the graduating class. This ceremony includes speakers, awards, recognition of graduating students, presentation of lavender cords/stoles and a time for dinner and socializing.
While Lavender Ceremony celebrates the accomplishments and experiences of Bates LGBTQ+ students, the celebration is open to all graduates. Continuing students, staff and faculty are welcome to join the ceremony.
Lavender Ceremony 2026
This year’s Lavender Ceremony will be hosted on Thursday, May 21, 4:00-6:00p at the Benjamin Mays Center. Registration: bit.ly/lavender_2026
Lavender Ceremony Awards
There are 4 awards that will be offered during Lavender Ceremony. The intention of these awards is to recognize the work and efforts of the Bates College LGBTQ+ and active ally community. See the details of the awards below:
José Julio Sarria Award for Inspiration and Leadership
This award is given to a nominated Bates College graduating senior who is LGBTQ+ or an Active Ally. This nominee is seen as a mentor/leader to the LGBTQ+ student community and has actively created inclusive and diverse communities, connections and conversations during their time at Bates.
Awardees
2025
2025
2026
Brandon Villalta-Lopez ’25
Nakelm Nicholson ’25
To be announced
Marsha P. Johnson Award for Community Connection
This award is given to a nominated Bates College rising sophomore, junior, or senior (1st, 2nd, or 3rd year) who is LGBTQ+ or an Active Ally. The nominee demonstrates active participation in the Bates College LGBTQ+ community and creates intentional and inclusive spaces while addressing bias actively and directly. The nominee is not fearful of learning opportunities and learns from others with different identities, perspectives and experiences to bring their best self everywhere they go.
Awardees
2025
2026
Rosina Makwabe ’26
To be announced
Bayard Rustin Award for Inclusion and Mentorship
This award is given to a nominated Bates College faculty/staff member who is part of the LGBTQ+ community or is an Active Ally. The nominee is identified as a support person to LGBTQ+ students. This nominee shows their commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ students through the creation of supportive and inclusive spaces, fearlessness in addressing challenging situations, and willingness to learn and grow.
Awardees
2025
2026
Andrew Shepard, Residence Life
To be announced
Stormé DeLarverie Award for Advocacy and Engagement
This award is given to a nominated Bates College Alum who is part of the LGBTQ+ community or is an Active Ally. The nominee for this award demonstrates their commitment to advocacy and community engagement for LGBTQ+ communities through their career and/or volunteer work, both at Bates or in their respective communities.
Awardees
2026
To be announced