On April 29, the UIC ( University of Illinois at Chicago ) Gender and Sexuality Center ( GSC ) held its annual culminating ceremony at the Forum to honor the academic achievements of LGBTQ students and their allies at the school. This celebratory event brought together students, faculty, staff and administration from across the university as well as families and community members.
Megan Carney, director of the GSC, pointed out that the group, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, has always advocated for greater recognition and inclusion of LGBTQ students at UIC.
The keynote speaker was activist Angelica Ross, executive director and CEO of TransTech Social Enterprises. She urged the 33 graduates to develop compassion for themselves and all others they meet on their journey. She noted everyone is in transition from one part of life to another, everyone experiences pain, and the successful people are those who use their pain to grow and accomplish their goals.
The ceremony was followed by a dinner and after-party with entertainment.