In a celebration of identity, community, and resilience, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) held its first-ever Lavender Graduation Ceremony on May 7. Co-sponsored by the CUNY SPS Office of Student Life and the Pride Club, the event honored the School’s LGBTQI+ graduates with the theme of “Lavender Dreams.”
Amarna Williams, MS in Disability Services in Higher Education alum and former Pride Club co-chair, opened the evening with a welcome and thanks to current student leaders. She then introduced Mateo Tebar, a current student in the MS in Disability Services in Higher Education, who serves as Pride Club treasurer and LGBTQI+ student coordinator.
Tebar exemplified the evening’s motif of resilience. Despite a recent major knee injury, he insisted on attending the event in person. As he took stage with his oversized leg brace, Tebar acknowledged the challenges facing the queer community, while expressing confidence in its strength. “The world feels uncertain,” Tebar said, “but we will prevail. Tonight’s graduates are living proof.”
Following Tebar, current Pride Club president (and Amarna’s twin sister) Tiya Williams, a BS in Information Science student, spoke. Echoing Tebar’s sentiment, Williams reflected on the resilience of the LGBTQI+ community and the vital role of support from allies, friends, and loved ones before introducing Dean Lisa Braverman.
In Dean Braverman’s video address, she congratulated graduates, praising their perseverance. “Some of you have had to push through doubt, barriers, and moments where the world didn’t make space for who you are,” she said. “But you did it anyway… and today, you’ve crossed the finish line.” She reaffirmed CUNY SPS’s commitment to inclusivity and thanked students for their respective contributions to the School.
Next, Mike Snigirev, (pictured at left) BS in Health Services Administration student and Pride Club secretary, took the stage to share his journey as an LGBTQI+ immigrant. Snigriev began by commending the graduates. “Getting to this moment wasn’t easy… And I feel you—I’m still in school myself!”
Snigriev noted that he came to the US after facing a harsh reality back in his Russian homeland. He had to adjust to his new life in the US and struggled with the language. He admitted that the mistakes he made along the way often made his face “every color of our rainbow flag.” He said that sometimes he even questioned whether he could ever really fully adapt. However, through the strength of community he felt at CUNY SPS, “with every class I finished, the answer became clear: Yes, I do belong here.”
Afterwards, Snigirev introduced keynote speaker Dr. Jan Oosting, Associate Professor of Nursing and faculty advisor to the LGBTQI+ Student Union. Dr. Oosting reflected on the progress the queer community has made since her college years and the significance of the evening. “‘Lavender Dreams’ is more than a theme,” she said. “For our community, dreaming is an act of revolution, survival, and collective thriving.”
She recalled facing harassment in college, but emphasized how such adversity only strengthened her resolve. “Our elders and mentors handed down lessons in resilience, pride, community building, and self-love,” she said. “Just as I hope to pass on to you.”
Dr. Oosting closed with a message of hope and solidarity: “Even in these challenging times, we draw strength knowing that we are never alone—we are our own greatest allies. May your lavender dreams bloom brightly.”
After Dr. Oosting’s moving keynote, she and Anthony Sweeney, Associate Director of Student Life, received the “Radiance Award,” a special recognition which will now become an annual part of the Lavender celebration. This award was in part due to their initiative that helped to secure a substantial grant from LGBTQI+ Consortium, which funds community programming.
Following the award announcement, Sweeney and Dr. Oosting handed graduates certificates and rainbow-hued Lavender cords. To close the evening, Amarna Williams thanked those in attendance while encouraging graduates to stay connected with the community. “Thank you for making history with us tonight!”
About the CUNY School of Professional Studies
As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.
Press Contact
Prerna Dar
CUNY SPS Chief Marketing Officer
Prerna.dar@cuny.edu