Elkins, WV – Join Davis & Elkins College for the first Lavender Graduation ceremony to celebrate and honor the achievements of graduating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other gender and sexual minorities from 5:30-6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 11, in the Bird Conference Room.
First Lady of Davis & Elkins College, Lisa Wood, will provide the welcome and words of encouragement on behalf of the college; and, Vince Trimboli, Director of the Honor College at West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC), will provide the keynote address.
Vince Trimboli is from Elkins, West Virginia, and received his Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Art in Theatre Arts from West Virginia Wesleyan College. He is a published poet whose work focuses on the dichotomy of Queerness and Appalachia. He has also published three books of poetry, the most recent being “The Book of Rabbits” in 2019 with Moontide Press in Los Angeles, California. In addition, Trimboli teaches college English and Public Speaking classes to inmates at a regional security prison.
Lavender Graduation is an event that provides LGBTQ+ students an opportunity to not only share their hopes and dreams with one another; but, where their unique LGBTQ+ student experience is officially recognized and celebrated by the institution. Not to replace the official graduation ceremony, this ceremony is a cultural celebration that recognizes LGBTQ students of all races and ethnicities while acknowledging their leadership, success, achievements and contributions to the university as students.
LGBTQ+ graduating seniors, community members, and alumni are invited to celebrate. Light refreshments will follow the ceremony.
Davis & Elkins College Commencement Weekend will kick off with the Nursing Pinning Ceremony and Baccalaureate Service on Friday, May 12 beginning at 4:00 p.m. Commencement will be held on Saturday, May 13 beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Myles Center for the Arts. To learn more about Commencement Weekend visit www.dewv.edu
-D&E-
