Lavender Graduation 2026

Lavender

Class of 2026

Celebrating the Achievements and Resilience of Eastern’s LGBTQIA+ Graduating Seniors and Allies!

9th A N N U A L

Friday, April 17, 2026 4:30-6:00 p.m. FAIC Concert Hall

Acapella group

9th Annual Lavender Graduation Program

Pride Center Graduate Intern

Performance East Harmonies

Opening Remarks Nikki Flynn

President of Eastern Connecticut State University

Welcome Address Dr. Karim Ismaili

Land Acknowledgment

Ana Lara Guimaraes Pinheiro Women’s Center Student Ambassador

Alumni Speaker Carrie Robinson, Class of 2008 Manager of DEI at ESPN

Presenting the Class of 2026

with Dr. Wilmot, Dean of Students & Nicole Potestivo, Pride Center Coordinator Class of 2026 Graduates

Lavender Graduation Awards

Reception

Academic Excellence Award

Neo Gomes & Orion Levy

LGBTQ+ Campus Community Award

Harrison Moss & Riley Sieber

Please join us in the lobby for light fare and good company

The History of Lavender Graduation

The Lavender Graduation is an annual ceremony that brings together LGBTQIA+ students and allies to celebrate their achievements, contributions and unique experiences at Eastern Connecticut State University. The concept of a Lavender Graduation was originated by Ronni Sanlo in 1995 during her tenure as director of the LGBT Center at the University of Michigan, which included three student participants. Sanlo, a Jewish lesbian, designed the Lavender Graduation Ceremony as a response to being denied attendance to her children’s graduation due to her sexual identity The ceremony was developed as a way of building community for LGBTQIA+ students while allowing them to celebrate their personal and academic achievements. Today, more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States hold Lavender Graduation Ceremonies on their campuses annually.

Alumni Speaker

Carrie Robinson (she/her) Class of 2008

Carrie is a deeply people-centered leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, with over a decade of experience creating spaces where individuals and communities can truly feel a sense of belonging. Her work has spanned both higher education and corporate settings, where she has led efforts in inclusive hiring, training, and retention, always with a focus on building meaningful connections and stronger communities. She has a gift for turning ideas into impactful initiatives, whether that’s developing programs, shaping strategy, or bringing people together through partnerships and conferences that leave a lasting impression Today, she leads DE&I efforts at ESPN, focusing on talent development and retention Carrie holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education and a Master of Science in Counseling in Student Development in Higher Education, and her work continues to reflect a genuine commitment to care, connection, and community.

ThankYou

Kai Amann

Love Atkinson

Ember Batista

Gabriella Beams

AJ Beauregard

Taryn Beisel

Kyle Berson

Caeley Bloch

Sauryna Bueno

Antonia Carminati

Megan Cassada

Katherine Crespo Villarreal

Cheyenne Crumpler

Sarah Cruz Velasquez

Karolina Czopik

Madison Dashnaw

Steph Davies

Kadie Dutton

Zavier Garcia

Emma Gioffre

Neo Gomes

Qing Hensley

Nova Hernandez

Jonathan Herrera-Reyes

Caspian Horn

Cassidy Irwin

Annalise Kennedy

Rylee LeClair

Orion Levy

Abigail Locke

Josephine Loforte

Vivian Lubinsky

Jillian Martin

Paige Matherne

Bennett Moseley

Harrison Moss

Michael O’Gara

AudreyAnne Pothier

Kelly Pruss

Isabella Pucci

Sarah Servidio

Isabelle Shead

Riley Sieber

Aiden Smith

Melissa Snow

Vanessa Sotelo

Ace Straynj

Taylor Thompson

Nathan Tomlinson

Charlotte Ward

Emma Yacono

Didismay Yedra Mena

Kai Amann is a Business Administration major with a concentration in Management and minor in Healthcare Management. While at Eastern he has been involved with film and movie club and worked at Media Services on campus as a Media Services Assistant. Something that gives Kai hope is knowing one day he will come home to his own home after work to the loved one he chose to have there, knowing it’s the life he knew he could achieve. Kai’s Advice to Younger Self: Don't say anything you wouldn't say to your child self, make him proud to be who he is and excited to grow up. Kai’s Thank Yous: Thank you to my family who kickstarted my educational journey, but especially thank you to my friends, who ensured the journey not only would have a bright ending, but continue to an even better future afterwards.

Gabby Beams is an English major. At Eastern she has worked as a tutor in the writing center and has served as a member of the English department’s Recruitment and Publicity Committee. She plans on becoming an English high school teacher. Something that gives her hope is the adrenaline rush from being at a concert or a Broadway show. Gabby’s Advice to Younger Self: Trust your gut, otherwise you might regret it.

AJ is an Art and Art History major. During their time at Eastern they have presented at CREATE twice, and at The Medieval World: Interdisciplinary Studies Conference. He has worked in the library archives. In addition they do community theater at the Windham Theatre Guild. Their professional aspiration is to work in special collections and library archives. Something that gives them hope is a quote from Dostoyevsky: “I exist. In thousands of agonies – I exist. I’m tormented on the rack – but I exist! Though I sit alone in a pillar – I exist! I see the sun, and if I don’t see the sun, I know it’s there. And there’s a whole life in that, in knowing that the sun is there.”

AJ’s Advice to Younger Self: You’re trapped in a trauma time loop and the only way to escape is to stop thinking that this time for sure nothing bad will happen if you try the same thing again. AJ’s Thank Yous: To Dr. Maeve Doyle, who they could not have done this without their support and guidance.

Taryn Beisel (they/them)

Taryn Beisel is an English major with a concentration in Creative Writing and a History minor They are the president of K-pop club, a member of Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society, and nominated to be a member of Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society They are looking to get a master’s degree in library science to work in libraries, and they would like to publish their own fiction and poetry. Something that gives them hope is the love that the LGBTQIA+ community has for each other, and the ability of love to triumph over the hate that we currently face. Taryn’s Advice to Younger Self: Stop caring about how people perceive your gender expression. What matters is that you know who you are, not how others interpret you. Taryn’s Thank Yous: To their parents for accepting them the many times they’ve come out, and doing their best to learn new terms. They would also like to shout out K-pop club, which has been a safe community for queer students and them.

LGBTQ+ Campus Community Award Recipients

Harrison Moss Riley Sieber

Kyle Berson (he/they)

Kyle Berson is a Business Administration major with concentrations in Marketing and Management who aims to build a career in the marketing and management sides of the business industry, as well as start his own business in the upcoming year. While at Eastern, they were the president of the WECS Radio Club, a student writer for Eastern’s Office of University Communications & Marketing, and a radio host at WECS Radio. His source of hope is seeing his work make a genuine impact. Learning what he can do to improve something feels incredibly rewarding. Kyle’s Advice to Younger Self: Find community. It's important to have peers that genuinely support you and will lift you back up when you fail. Kyle’s Thank Yous: My roommates and friends who've been by my side through ups and downs, as well as Eastern students, staff, and faculty who've supported me through my journey.

Sauryna Bueno (she/her)

Sauryna Bueno is a Biochemistry major who aspires to become a medical laboratory scientist. While at Eastern, she has worked as an OA in Mead and in High Rise. She finds hope by looking towards the future. Sauryna’s Advice to Younger Self: You’re going to meet so many new people and have lots of fun experiences, you just have to wait a little longer.

Antonia Carminati (she/her)

Antonia Carminiati is a Sociology and Early Childhood Education major who aspires to have a classroom of her own one day and to make a positive difference in the lives of her students. She finds hope from her family and friends. Antonia’s Advice to Younger Self: Enjoy the little things in life that bring you joy, and to stop trying to rush everything in life. Take everything one day at a time! Antonia’s Thank Yous: My family and friends, as well as professors and advisors for helping me figure things out when I was feeling overwhelmed.

Katherine Crespo Villarreal (she/they)

Katherine Crespo is an Art major with a concentration in Digital Art and Illustration with a minor in Art History and Studio Art She has been involved with the Fashion Forward club on campus as their treasurer and President, as well as volunteering with the Mentor for Opportunity Program She is a dream scholar and a multimedia intern at Career Services. Their professional aspirations are to become an illustrator for books, novels, and digital content. Something that gives her hope is all the people that have her back, which are her family, friends, and community. Katherine’s Advice to Younger Self: Choose your friendships and the people you keep around you carefully. You are worth more than foreign opinions. Katherine’s Thank Yous: To professor Drew and professor Dani Sousa, her closest friends, her roommates, and her family.

Cheyenne Crumpler (she/her)

Cheyenne Crumpler is a Social Work major who will be starting a Masters of Social Work in the fall and aspires to work with incarcerated people. She’s also starting a position as an Academic / Vocational Coach and hopes to one day get Licensed Clinical Social Work and become a professor. While at Eastern, she worked at Financial Aid, ran an independent study based on campus climate, volunteered at the Pride Center, was a part of SGA, served on the budget and management and student issues committee, was an RHA president, and interned at Phoenix Academy as a social worker. She finds hope from the opportunity to help people and be the person she wanted to be while growing up. Cheyenne’s Advice to Younger Self: One day, you’ll have everything you’ve worked so hard for. It’ll take time, strength, and learning peace even when that doesn’t seem like an option. Cheyenne’s Thank Yous: My social work cohort, social work professors, Dean Wilmot/Heidi, Nicole of the pride center, Lisa Centola of the world language department, my college friends I've made along the way.

Karolina Czopik(she/her)

Karolina Czopik is a Business major who aspires to be self-sustaining and own a farm. While at Eastern, she was a part of Garden Club. She finds hope in the world from her family and friends. Karolina’s Advice to Younger Self: Do more in the community and in school. Karolina’s Thank Yous: Gigi has always been there for me, my mom always supports me in whatever I do and never gives up on me.

Madison Dashnaw (she/her)

Madison Dashnaw is a Women and Gender Studies and Sociology double major who aspires to work as a domestic violence advocate or crisis specialist, and to continue her education in the future. While at Eastern, she has worked as a Resident Assistant in Occum Hall, as well as the president of the Criminology Student Institution. She finds hope by advocating for others and standing up against injustice. Madison’s Advice to Younger Self: Don’t worry about having everything figured out. Never stop trying new things or exploring; you never know where it might lead you. Madison’s Thank Yous: I would like to thank my family and my fiancée, Didismay, for their unwavering support throughout my four years at Eastern. I am also deeply grateful to Dr. Bergstrom-Lynch for being a mentor and for continually believing in me.

Steph Davies (they/he)

Steph Davies is an Environmental Biology major who aspires to work in field entomology to preserve nature. While at Eastern, they have been a friendly face on campus and started a micro-trend of wearing cloaks around campus. Steph finds hope in the world from those all around him, from how people still find the strength to help each other and how everyone carries the power to brighten someone else’s day with even the smallest acts of kindness. Steph’s Advice to Younger Self: You are so much stronger than you think you are. You will get there. Steph’s Thank Yous: Special thanks to all the professors who never gave up on me, my advisor, Dr Cowles, who steered me towards success, and all my friends for believing in me even when I didn't

Kadie Dutton (she/her)

Kadie Dutton is a Developmental Psychology major with a minor in Studio Art who aspires to teach kindergarten. While at Eastern, she volunteered through CCE and was involved in student teaching through her Early Start Master program. Kadie finds hope in the world when remembering things don’t stay the same forever and that new beginnings are always around the corner. Kadie’s Advice to Younger Self: Even when things don't feel okay, you have made it through 100% of your bad days and you CAN keep going Kadie’s Thank Yous: The friends I have made along the way here at Eastern as well as my family who have always supported me

Zavier Garcia (he/him)

Zavier Garcia is a double major in Theater and Performance Media and English who aspires to teach theater practices to afterschool programs or in youth summer programs. While at Eastern, he worked with CTF mainstage productions with performance, stage management, and lighting design. He was also the president of the Drama Society. He finds hope from the support and community from his chosen family. Zavier’s Advice to Younger Self: “Just enjoy it, it feels like a party everyday” -Debby Ryan. Zavier’s Thank Yous: I would like to thank Professors J.J. Cobb, Alycia Bright-Holland, David Pellegrini, Timothy K. Golebiewski, Christopher Torockio, and Jordan Youngblood for their guidance and shared knowledge throughout my Eastern career. I also would like to thank Drama Society for an incredible experience with Rocky Horror.

Emma Gioffre (she/her)

Emma (Turtle) is an Illustration major who aspires to create a graphic novel or cartoon. While at Eastern, she’s hung out around campus and has been a positive influence on her friends. She finds hope in the world from the things she loves. Emma’s Advice to Younger Self: Relax. Everything will be okay. Emma’s Thank Yous: I want to say thank you to my friends, and my roommate Neo for always putting up with me.

Academic

Excellence Award Recipients

Neo Gomes

Orion Levy

Neo Gomes (he/they)

Neo Gomes is a Computer Science major with a Mathematics minor who aspires to work as a data analyst working with data on minority groups. While at Eastern, they have worked as a student ambassador for the Pride Center, presented at a panel discussing AI from student perspectives, and coauthored a research paper currently under review about queer parenting. Neo gets hope from the fact that people wake up and care deeply about things every day despite it being easier to not from how overwhelming everything is. Neo’s Advice to Younger Self: It's going to be really hard. I'm sorry. But that doesn't mean there aren‘t a lot of good things along the way, and possibly light at the end of the tunnel. Neo’s Thank Yous: Professor Larose for inviting me to be your coauthor. Professor Johnson for introducing me to my love of statistics The staff of the Pride Center: Nicole, Rachel, and Nikki My found family, and all my friends I’ve made here

Qing Hensley (she/her)

Qing Hensley is a Psychology major who aims to work as a neurological researcher or a clinical psychologist. While at Eastern, she was the Vice President and the Treasurer of K-Pop Club. Qing finds hope from her cats, friends, and family. Qing’s Advice to Younger Self: It’s okay to be different.

Nova Hernandez (they/he)

Nova Hernandez is an English major with a Women and Gender Studies minor who aspires to work as a teacher and be a person for others to lean on and learn from. Nova’s source of hope is the fact that people like them are still living and thriving despite systems trying to break them down. Nova’s Advice to Younger Self: I'd probably tell my younger self to chill out. You don't have to understand or get everything immediately, it's ok. Nova’s Thank Yous: Kemesha Wilmot, Nicole Postestivo, Starsheemar Byrum, and Christine Garcia for always being supportive faculty members in my educational journey

Jonathan Herrera-Reyes (he/him)

Jonathan Herrera is a Business Administration with a concentration in International Business who aspires to become a business owner and start a welcoming Cafe. While at Eastern, he was the VicePresident of OLAS and served in club events such as Zine-Design and Freedom. He finds hope from his family and friends who encourage him to be himself and dream big. Jonathan’s Advice to Younger Self: Don’t be afraid of what's coming next and to take a leap. Jonathan’s Thank Yous: To my mentor and also to my friend, Aylin She was in the same pathway as I was, and not only did she help me during my school journey, but she was there if I had any concerns or if I just needed someone to talk to I will always be thankful for all she has done for me

Caspian Horn (they/sea)

Caspian Horn is a Social Work major who aspires to open their own nonprofit to fill the gap in services and community spaces for LGBTQ+ and disabled folks in Northeastern CT which would educate other organizations. While at Eastern, sea helped out in the Pride Center as a former ambassador, attended Pokemon Center, interns and volunteers for Project Imo, and generally hangs out in the Pride Center. They find hope through the fact that small differences can always end up making big impacts and community is an insanely strong force. Caspian’s Advice to Younger Self: It’s important to never settle for something that makes someone else happy but makes you unhappy, especially important stuff like your identity and core beliefs. Caspian’s Thank Yous: Shoutout to my wife Maggie who is my beloved and my rock. I am surviving this degree sometimes purely on her. Shoutout to Nicole & Nikki in the Pride Center for being amazing mentors, resources and general all around rad people. Shoutout to my Tuesday Thursday regulars in the Pride Center who made me feel like I could come back into the home I was worried I’d lost and welcomed me back in like there was no time lost

Cassidy Irwin (she/her)

Cassidy Irwin is a Health Sciences and Political Sciences double major who aspires to work in local or state health departments While at Eastern, she was the Vice President of the Student Government Association and a member of the Women’s Weightlifting Club She finds hope from living independently after graduation Cassidy’s Advice to Younger Self: No one decision will ruin your life, there is always another path to be found

Annalise Kennedy (she/her)

Annalise Kennedy is an Environmental Earth Science major who aspires to help battle food insecurity by working in sustainable food systems in the nonprofit sector While at Eastern, she has been on the E-Board for the Women’s Weightlifting Club She finds hope from her faith in humanity Annalise’s Advice to Younger Self: Don’t be so hard on yourself – you're doing great Annalise’s Thank Yous: I'd like to thank my professors and friends in the EES department for supporting my sustainability initiatives on campus I'd also like to thank my parents for always encouraging me to chase my dreams! I would not be here without their love and guidance.

Rylee LeClair (she/her)

Rylee LeClair is a Data Science major who will be pursuing a Master’s degree in Data Science at UCONN next semester While at Eastern, she was an Honor’s scholar, President of KnitWits, Secretary of Fencing Club, a member of the Dean’s student council and of EcoAmbassadors She finds hope in the world by building a strong community of friends and others, especially while watching friends and community members be successful with their academic and social goals. Rylee’s Advice to Younger Self: Trust the process and relax, you’re stronger and more capable than you realize. Rylee’s Thank Yous: I want to thank my roommates and close friends for being such a strong support system for me throughout my years at Eastern. Special shout out to Arrow for encouraging me to attend the AroAce community circle!!

Orion Levy (he/him)

Orion Levy is a Social Work major who aspires to advocate for policies that fund and affirm comprehensive sex education in public schools. He will be continuing his education this year with a Master's in Social Work at UPenn While at Eastern, he has worked as an intern in case management at the Ridge Recovery Center, volunteered at the Covenant Soup Kitchen and Shawn’s Cupboard, was on the e-board for the Badminton club, and is writing a research paper in collaboration with Dr Stanton on the meaningful involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS in organizations that serve them He believes hope is something that we are responsible for creating for ourselves, and we shouldn’t wait to stumble upon it Orion’s Advice to Younger Self: Even though taking the next step can be intimidating, everything that came before has prepared you for this moment in time. Orion’s Thank Yous: Thank you to Dr. Megan Stanton, Dr. Doyle, Milo, and Sarah for always being in my corner.

Abigail Locke (she/her)

Abigail Locke is a Psychology major who aspires to perform psychological research While at Eastern, she was a Psi Chi member, Research Assistant to Dr Vasquez-O'Brien, and member of the AroAce Place community circle Abigail shares that what gives her hope is rooted in both people and the power of shared knowledge. She believes that, more often than not, people will rise to the occasion when they are trusted and given the benefit of the doubt. She is also inspired by the ways knowledge is made accessible and shared, whether through personal experiences, areas of expertise, or platforms like open-source textbooks, educational channels like Crash Course on YouTube, and resources such as Wikipedia. Abigail’s Advice to Younger Self: Get a neuropsychiatric evaluation. Life gets easier when you work with your brain. Abigail’s Thank Yous: Dr. Vasquez-O'Brien – thank you for giving me your honest opinion without expecting complete compliance. The entire Psych Department, thank you for balancing academic rigor with empathy and humor. Mom and Dad, thank you for helping me balance pushing myself and protecting myself. Director Brooks Scavone, and the entire OAS team, thank you for giving me my first experience of getting accommodations from an affirming disability services office that recognizes the social model of disability.

Vivian Lubinsky (they/them)

Vivian Lubinsky is an English major with a minor in Studio Art who hopes to become a published fiction author. While at Eastern they have been a member of Sigma Tau Delta/English Honors Society, the Secretary of Film & Media Club, and a trumpet player in Eastern Concert Band. Vivian’s friends and family give them hope by always putting a smile on their face, being able to laugh at the end of the day despite what it might bring, and making it known that there is love all around them. Vivian’s Advice to Younger Self: Just go for it! Take advantage of the opportunities that arise, even if they are something out of my comfort zone Vivian’s Thank Yous: Thank you to my parents, who always believed I would succeed, and to my amazing girlfriend and awesome friends!

Jillian Martin (she/her)

Jillian Martin is a Psychology major who aspires to go to graduate school and become a clinical psychologist. While at Eastern, she played for the Women’s Rugby team. She finds hope in the world from her friends, her future, and knowing that she will succeed. Jillian’s Advice to Younger Self: Everything is gonna be okay, just go with the flow

Jillian’s Thank Yous: My mom

Paige Matherne (she/they )

Paige Matherne is a Psychology major who aspires to make a positive impact on the world around her. While at Eastern, they conducted a research study to investigate the correlations between stress, anxiety, and exercise. She finds hope in the world by seeing the self-expression and kindness around her. Paige’s Advice to Younger Self: Changing yourself to fit in is unfulfilling and a waste of time. Don't hold onto people who don't want to understand you. Paige’s Thank Yous: Thank you to my partner Tim for supporting me in every way possible to make my life easier.

Bennett Moseley (he/she)

Bennett Moseley is a Psychology major who aspires to work in a field where he can help people reach their best potential While at Eastern, she always tried to make herself available to help her fellow students with class material He finds hope by seeing other people who are also struggling manage to get up and take each day by the horns If they can, anyone can Bennett’s Advice to Younger Self: Try your best to not care about what other people think of you. Bennett’s Thank Yous: Would like to shout out my Mom, Dad, The Library Staff, and the PC as a whole for keeping me together over the years.

Harrison Moss (he/him)

Harrison Moss is an Environmental Earth Science major with a minor in History who aspires to be a structural or exploration geologist, or work in the USGS. While at Eastern, he has been the President of the Comic Book Appreciation Club, Vice President of the Ski and Board Club, Secretary of Diversability, part of the Sigma Gamma Epsilon Environmental Earth Science Honors Society, the Pi Alpha Theta History Honors Society, and a member of the EcoAmbassador Sustainability Program. He also volunteered at the Vintage Radio and Communications Museum of Connecticut. He finds hope in the people in his life such as family, friends, mentors, and those he’s met through travel, whose kindness and openness shape his optimistic outlook He believes that even small actions can create positive change, and that our shared human desires connect us in ways that inspire hope Harrison’s Advice to Younger Self: I don’t have any advice to give my younger self I did the best I could at the time The challenges I faced growing up actually helped me along the way, so I wouldn’t change them Being diagnosed with ADD and autism forced me to be in touch with my feelings from a very young age My parents’ divorce when I was 12 took me out of the routine life that I’d always lived and broadened what I came to consider normal. This only helped me in my future and continues to make me optimistic about any other changes or challenges that I may face. Harrison’s Thank Yous: James, Kayla, Annie, Matt, Boden, Hunter, Neo, Madeline, Croy, Arrow, my mom, my dad, Dr. Cunningham, Dr. Hyatt, Nicole, Jean Hemming from Quinebaug Valley Middle College, Dr. Palmer from Vinton Elementary, and all the teachers and instructional assistants along the way.

Michael O’Gara (he/him)

Michael O’Gara is a Studio Art major who aspires to be a famous freelance artist. Michael finds hope in seeing everyone else around him being their best selves. Michael's Advice to Younger Self: Keep making art and never question if you're good enough. Michale’s Thank Yous: My friends, family, and chosen family

Audrey-Anne Pothier (they/them)

Audrey-Anne Pothier is a Sociology major looking to work with Horizons Inc full time as they work towards a Master’s in social work so they can work with disabled children. While at Eastern, they have worked with Horizons already and also assisted in running the Take Time to Play event in Willimantic, which helps prevent child abuse. Their source of hope is their friends, who they wouldn’t have been able to get where they are today without. Audrey-Anne’s Advice to Younger Self: Keep going. There is so much that makes you want to stop pursuing your dreams, and they do stop you for a while. But eventually, you will find people who actually uplift you. Who wants the best for you. And then you'll be able to find your dreams again. Audrey-Anne’s Thank Yous: Thank you to the professor who changed my entire trajectory of life when I came to Eastern with no plan and no purpose. I have found an amazing community through your work, and I have learned so much from you. I hope we can continue working together in the future.

Kelly Pruss (she/her)

Kelly Pruss is a Mathematics with a concentration in Actuarial Science and Data Science major with an Insurance minor. She aspires to go into the insurance field doing underwriting or actuarialrelated work. While at Eastern she has been Eastern's FAIC Box Office Manager. Knowing that everything she does is for her mom who would be proud of who she has become and how far she has come since her passing gives Kelly hope. Kelly’s Advice to Younger Self: Keep being you! Never change to fit in with the others when you were born and raised to be eclectic and your own true self Kelly’s Thank Yous: Those who have not only helped support my academic success, as well as personal success, but who have also helped me become the person I am today are: my mom, my dad, my brother Kyle, my partner, and my close friends back home

Reception

Isabella Pucci (they/them)

Isabella Pucci is an Elementary Education and Spanish major who aspires to become an elementary school teacher that inspires their students to be the best they can every day While at Eastern, they have been an officer for three different clubs (DiversAbility, Eastern’s Aspiring Educators, and Comic Book and Appreciation club) They also have volunteered at the North Windham School after school program, Blue Iris Farm, and the Windham Youth Mentoring program Their source of hope in the world is the fact that minority communities are out there thriving in a world that is difficult for them, and despite pain, hurt, and discrimination, those communities are thriving and happy Isabella’s Advice to Younger Self: If someone says anything bad about you, just know it's a reflection of their own insecurities and uneducated thoughts and beliefs. It's not what you are inside. You are the only one who gets to decide who you are. Isabella’s Thank Yous: Shoutout to my cousin Endewyn for helping me to discover who I really am as a LGBTQ+ person and for supporting me all the way. Also shoutout to my friend Alix for always being there for me when things get hard.

Isabelle Shead (she/her )

Isabelle’s major is Sociology and she aspires to become a second-grade teacher. She is currently participating in her first clinical for the early start graduate program. After graduating, she will be pursuing her masters. Her future aspirations give her hope. Isabelle’s Advice to Younger Self: To keep going no matter how lost you feel as there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Isabelle’s Thank Yous: Shout out to her partner who has been her biggest supporter since day one.

Riley Sieber (they/them)

Riley Sieber is a Psychology major with a concentration in Mental Health Counseling who aspires to be a clinical psychologist and work with children. While at Eastern, they have been an active member in the Pride Center and worked to make campus and classes a more inclusive space. They find hope by pursuing their career and hoping that future generations will have the tools and skills to cope and function with their mental health in their everyday life. Riley’s Advice to Younger Self: Sadness is temporary and good things will come. Riley’s Thank Yous: I'd like to thank my mom for all the support she has given me throughout my college career. I would also like to thank all my Eastern friends for the motivational speeches, late study nights or homework sessions, and endless love and support given to me.

Aiden Smith ( He / Him )

Aiden Smith is a Political Science major who aspires to do nonprofit work or stay in state government so he can help people. While at Eastern, he has been a part of College Democrats and the Windham Democratic Town Committee. He finds hope in the world through resistance, as it’s very easy in our current political climate to check out or to feel like your voice doesn’t matter, so the people who stand up when it’s easier not to give him hope for the future. Aiden’s Advice to Younger Self: I wouldn't want to interfere with the timeline, so to speak It all led me here He’ll figure it out Aiden’s Thank Yous: My parents, family, and all my friends, especially Becky Brock and Ashley Thompson The both of them have really helped me since I transferred

Melissa Snow (she/they)

Melissa Snow is a Criminology major with a minor in Women’s Studies who aspires to become a victim's advocate. While at Eastern, she had an internship at the Women’s Center and was a part of Eastern’s band, choir, and theater department. They find hope from their friends, family, and cats. Melissa’s Advice to Younger Self: You can do this, even though it will be hard, you got this

Vanessa Sotelo (she/her)

Vanessa Sotelo is a Sociology major who aspires to attend graduate school at UCONN for a double Master’s degree in Public Administration and Social Work with a concentration in Group Organizing. While at Eastern, she was part of the Antiracist Committee and Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology, and Social Work Departments. She finds hope in the fact that more people in the world want to do things and leave it a better place for others. Vanessa’s Advice to Younger Self: You belong here. Vanessa’s Thank Yous: Drs Simon, Bergstrom-Lynch, Kurti, Parsons, and my community college professors Mrs. Zinni, Professor Patsouri and Dr Neufeld. Of course, my husband and closest friends.

Ace Straynj (they/them)

Ace Straynj is a Computer Science major with a minor in English who aspires to work somewhere that makes someone’s life a little easier, and make a tiny bit of money doing it While at Eastern, they have co-led the Aro-Ace Place, as well as hosted Another Straynj Night, which was a late-night radio show Their source of hope in the world is the sunset Ace’s Advice to Younger Self: People love your character Ace’s Thank Yous: Nicole Potestivo for seeing me when I was trying to go unseen Sarah Nightingale for teaching one of the most impactful classes I've ever taken Allison Speicher for giving me a huge grace period

Taylor Thompson (she/her)

Taylor Thompson is an English major who aspires to become a middle school English teacher. While at Eastern, she has been the senior class president, a member of the Campus Activity Board, a Head Student Orientation Counselor, part of the Honors Program, and a V.E.T.S. Center Office Assistant. Her sense of hope in the world comes from the next generation of students. Their courage to speak up for what they believe in reminds her that change is not only possible, but already happening. Taylor’s Advice to Younger Self: I would tell my younger self to be unapologetically herself. Life is far too short not to live authentically Taylor’s Thank Yous: I would like to thank the Student Activities staff and my friends, whose unwavering support and guidance have shaped my experience at Eastern and helped me become who I am today

Didismay Yedra Mena (they/he/she)

Didismay Yedra Mena is a Psychological Sciences major with a concentration in Mental Health Counseling who aspires to continue pursuing research in psychology and eventually work with children from minority groups While at Eastern, they have been a Peer Mentor, Student Ambassador, Student Orientation Counselor, Drama Society President, CSI Club Vice President, Pre-College Summer Counselor, Research Assistant for various professors, volunteered at the CCE, performed in multiple theater shows, sang in the choir as an Alto, participated in the Psychology Iceland field course and the Health Sciences Ghana field course, a member of the Health Sciences Honor Society, a member of the ODK Leadership Honor Society, and a member of the First Generation Tri-Alpha Honor Society. He finds hope in the world through people like her boss. They love to see such caring people in the field that actively work to provide resources for children and treat everyone equally without judgement. Didismay’s Advice to Younger Self: Nothing lasts forever. Sometimes, it gets worse before it gets better, but you have to live through it to get to that other side. Didismay’s Thank Yous: I would love to thank my abuelo, my siblings, my fiancee and her family, and my boss Dr. Sudha Swaminathan. I would not be here today as the person I am without them.

Land Acknowledgement

ThankYou

We respectfully acknowledge that the land on which Eastern Connecticut State University stands, and the broader land now known as the State of Connecticut, is the ancestral territory of the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation, Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Mohegan Tribe, Nipmuc Tribe, and Schaghticoke Tribe, who have stewarded this land throughout the generations with great care. We honor their resilience, cultural heritage, and enduring presence. As Connecticut's public liberal arts university, we are committed to fostering greater awareness of Indigenous histories and contemporary experiences, and to building relationships grounded in respect, reciprocity, and responsibility

Thank You!

The Eastern Pride Center team wishes to thank everyone who participated in tonight’s Lavender Graduation Ceremony and wishes to extend our deepest appreciation to the President’s Office, Sheila RuJoub, Travis Houldcroft, University Communications & Marketing, and the Division of Student Affairs for assisting us in honoring our graduating seniors.