Join us Tuesday April 30th, 2024 at 6 PM in the Hall of Presidents at D-Hall to congratulate and celebrate the achievements of our LGBTQ+ graduates at Lavender Graduation! This is an opportunity to thank these students for their contributions to the LGBTQ+ community and the JMU community as a whole. In addition to celebrating our graduates, SOGIE announces our annual award winners.

We have the following awards that you can submit nominations for:

SOGIE Award
Given in recognition of outstanding dedication and support of James Madison University's queer community. This award is presented to someone based on their efforts to support the campus community and the growth of the SOGIE office programs and services (graduating students only).

The Christopher L. Gatesman Service Award
This award is given to a faculty or staff member that has shown great commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community on campus through education, support and advocacy. Christopher L. Gatesman is a previous staff member of JMU and is credited with immense accomplishments in advancing LGBTQ+ efforts on campus, including the creation of the SOGIE program. The recipient of this award exemplifies similar dedication (faculty and staff only)

Accessibility and Belonging Award
Presented to an individual in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the advancement of accessibility and belonging at JMU and beyond (graduating students only).

Lavender Leadership Award
This award will be presented to someone who has held a leadership role on campus or in the community that exemplifies great qualities of inclusive leadership: cognizance, courage, commitment, curiosity, collaboration, cultural intelligence (graduating students only).

Outstanding Educator Award
Awarded to an educator on campus (Diversity Educator, Education Major, Teaching Assistant, etc.) who has advanced awareness and understanding of accessibility and belonging and/or exemplifies qualities of an educator that holds awareness on universal design and supporting learners of all identity (graduating students only). 

There is also a volunteer award that is chosen by the SOGIE staff, The Michael Boyles Award.
Michael Boyles was a former outstanding volunteer who changed the program for the better. Although Michael is no longer with us, his spirit can be felt throughout the program and this award goes to a volunteer who has exhibited much of the same spirit. These volunteers work tirelessly to make sure every person who enters the program feels welcome and that they always find a space.