On May 4, LGBT University of Illinois at Chicago graduates took part in the inaugural Lavender Graduation and Awards Ceremony at 750 S. Halsted.
Graduates received rainbow tassels, certificates and small gifts. In additon, the students walked through a lavender hanging doorway decoration to Rent's La Vie Boeheme instead of the typical Pomp and Circumstance. Among the attendees were Michael Tanner, UIC's provost, and Bill Greaves, Mayor Daley's LGBT liaison.
Pictured from left to right: ( first row ) Lindsay Hyland, Melanie D' Andrilli, Nat Duran and Joanna Michelson; ( second row ) Shawn Ursini, Thomas Stearns, Liz Vitulli, Jerry Goldstein, Marcus Mason and Bettina Johnson. Photo by Moises Villada