Our Vision and Mission:
We envision a world where every LGBTQ+ person is visible, honored and celebrated in a Lavender Graduation ceremony and where our Lavender Graduation history is preserved.
Our mission is to support schools and organizations in hosting meaningful, inclusive Lavender Graduation ceremonies by providing training, resources, and inspiration as well as preserving our Lavender Graduation history through archiving.
Founders
Ronni Sanlo, Ed.D., Founder
The Lavender Graduation Legacy Project is founded by Dr. Ronni Sanlo who created the first Lavender Graduation at the University of Michigan in 1995. Ronni is a retired UCLA professor and director emeritus of the UCLA LGBTQ Center. She is the founder of the award-winning Lavender Graduation and is the founding chair of the Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals. Ronni wrote the standards and guidelines for LGBTQ campus work for CAS – The Council for Standards and Guidelines in Higher Education. Prior to her work at UCLA and the University of Michigan LGBTQ Centers, Ronni was an HIV/AIDS epidemiologist in Florida during the years when so many smart, talented, brave gay men were lost. Ronni lost custody of her two small children in 1979 in Florida when she came out as a lesbian. Her anger motivated her into activism. She became the executive director and lobbyist of the Florida Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights Task Force in 1981. Now retired, Ronni writes about our LGBTQ story. Her most recent play is We Say Gay which follows the University of Florida lesbian and gay witch hunts of the1950s. Ronni is the editor of the four volume This Day in LGBTQ History, and co-hosts the podcast called LGBTQ History Alive with her wife Dr. Kelly Watson. Ronni earned a Bachelors degree in Music at the University of Florida and a masters and doctorate in Education Leadership and Organizational Development at the University of North Florida.
Kelly Watson, DDS, Ph.D, co-founder
Kelly Watson, DDS, PHD attended UCLA’s Dental School and Graduate School of Microbiology and Immunology. Her first career was as a research scientist in academia and then in the pharmacology industry. Changing careers to follow her interests in substance abuse and mental health issues, Kelly opened a residential mental health/substance abuse center for women in Prescott, Arizona. Later she opened outpatient mental health treatment centers in Prescott, Sedona, and Phoenix. She remains active in the recovering community as a mentor and sponsor. Kelly previously served on the Advisory Board of the L-Fund, a nonprofit charity for Lesbians in the Coachella Valley. She was also Chair of the L-Fund Arts Committee which chose recipients for the L-Funds Arts Awards. She currently serves on the Steering Committee of PALS (Planning Ahead for LGBTQ+ Seniors), an unincorporated nonprofit association based in Palm Springs, Ca. PALS provides no-cost educational programs, tools and resources that helps LGBTQ+ adults and friends to effectively plan ahead before a health or other life-altering situation arises. Additionally, Kelly is co-founder of Lesbians Embracing Aging, a non-profit association intending to support older Lesbians aging in their place of choice. Interests in the arts and women’s issues led Kelly to becoming an Executive Producer of documentary films telling empowering women’s stories. These films include the award winning Letter to Anita, The Passionate Pursuits of Angela Bowen, Kitty Tsui: Nice Chinese Girls Don’t and Miss Lillian: More Than a President’s Mother.
Kelly and Ronni formed their own production company, Strait Knot Productions, which supports LGBT people in the arts as well as women’s recovery and health needs. They split their time between Palm Springs, CA and Sequim, WA. They are engaged in giving back to the communities in which they live.
Founding Advisory Board
Shirelle Alexander graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, majoring in Labor Relations and Womens’ Studies. While pursuing her degree, she worked over 20 years at the University in the department of Human Resources/Labor Relations. Shirelle participated in job development workshops providing suggestions for improving interviewing techniques and updating resumes while motivating/encouraging older job seekers. She spent many hours over the years volunteering for the Lavender Graduation ceremony at UCLA. She retired to Palm Springs, California in 2014 and enjoys the quiet ambiance of Coachella Valley living. She remains active in the LGBTQ community.
Dr. Raja Gopal Bhattar (they, them, their) is a nationally recognize higher education leader, advocate, consultant, and author. Raja currently serves as a program manager for the social justice and career advancement Academy for ACCCA. Previously, Dr. Bhattar served as the assistant Provost and executive director of the Center for Identity + Inclusion at the University of Chicago, overseeing the office of Multicultural Student Affairs, LGBTQ Student Life and Student Support Services along with campus climate and inclusion work. Raja served as the first gender queer person of color and immigrant to direct UCLA’s LGBTQ Campus Resource Center. They have also held positions at American River College (Los Rios Community College District), University of Redlands, University of Vermont, Champlain College, and Semester at Sea. They hold a Ph.D and M.A degree in Higher Education and Organizational Change from UCLA, a. M.Ed in education and higher education and student affairs administration from the University of Vermont and Bachelors in Psychology with a minor in Spanish literature from Boston University.
Andy Cofino (he/him) is a higher education leader and consultant with over 15 years of experience advancing diversity, inclusion, and belonging on U.S. college campuses. He is the inaugural Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Belonging, and Well-Being at Princeton University where he leads campus-wide strategies and programs to foster inclusion and support for all students. Since 2009, Andy has also run a private consultancy, serving clients across industries as a strategist, advisor, and facilitator on LGBTQ+ inclusion. Previously, Cofino coordinated Princeton’s LGBT Center (2013–2018) and then directed the LGBTQ Campus Resource Center and Volunteer Center at UCLA. At UCLA, he led advocacy efforts throughout the University of California system to improve policies and procedures impacting over 295,000 students and 265,000 faculty and staff. Andy is also a Co-Core Member for Trans Inclusion with NASPA. Andy has hosted a number of Lavender Graduation events over his years in higher education. He holds a B.A. from Pace University, an M.A. from NYU, and is pursuing an MBA at UCLA Anderson.
David Crafts (they/them) is a fierce advocate, compassionate educator, and unapologetically joyful presence in the San Francisco Bay Area, where they live with their partner Jason and three mischievous rescue cats. A queer, first-generation, low-income college graduate, David has spent over 25 years championing equity, access, and community within higher education and the nonprofit sector. Currently serving as theDean of Enrollment Services & Support Programs and Title IX Coordinator at College of San Mateo, David brings a student-centered lens to institutional leadership. Their career includes impactful service to students at Wharton, Stanford University, Pacific Oaks College, and University of the Pacific, as well as formative roles in Michigan, Ohio, and Florida. Beyond their professional roles, David is a Commissioner on the LGBTQIA+ Commission of San Mateo County and a co-organizer of the High School Pride Prom, empowering youth to celebrate their identities. As an Aspirant-Nun with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, David embodies a tradition of irreverent wit and sacred service—offering outreach and ministry to those on society’s margins, while joyfully confronting the forces of bigotry and shame. A former high school and college cheerleader, David now gives back as a volunteer with the Cheer For Life Foundation, helping fund critical services for at-risk members of the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Their academic journey includes a degree from Grand Valley State University along with specialized certifications in sexual assault investigation, crisis management, and human resources. In every space they enter, David Crafts hopes to infuses strategy with soul, laughter with liberation, and systems with compassion—lifting others as they continue to lead.
Ken Ditlevson, a dedicated trainer and facilitator specializing in LGBTQ+ education and advocacy, served as the inaugural Director of Kent State University’s LGBTQ+ Center, a position he held for nearly 11 years. In this role, Ken led numerous initiatives to support LGBTQ+ students, staff, and faculty, including hosting Lavender Graduations, building a more inclusive campus environment. Ken currently serves as the Assistant Dean of Students, and Director of the CARES Center at Kent State University. Ken is a two-time graduate of Kent State University, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Education in Community Counseling. Before joining Kent State, he spent nearly two decades working in mental health and social services, most recently serving as Assistant Vice President at Child Guidance & Family Solutions in Akron, Ohio. A passionate advocate, Ken has received numerous awards for his leadership in LGBTQ+ advocacy and for developing innovative programs that foster inclusion and community support. He lives in the Highland Square/West Akron area with his husband of 25 years and their two dogs, Luna and Piper.
Jim and Carol Swarbrick Dries as PFLAG parents,were instrumental in helping a Florida high school host its first Lavender Graduation in 2025. Carol Swarbrick Dries is an actor/writer/activist and Jim is a teacher/writer/director/activist. After graduation from the University of South Dakota, Jim served two years in the Peace Corps in the Philippines. He taught classes from elementary school through college in Hawaii, New York and Nepal. Jim received his Master’s Degree at the University of Hawaii as an East-West Center Grantee. He was also a doctoral candidate at Teachers College, Columbia University. He has traveled extensively, visiting many countries. He has climbed mountains in New Zealand and trekked to the base camps of the world’s first and third highest mountains. He visited gorillas in the wild in both Uganda and Rwanda. Jim has been employed as a police officer, a construction worker, a cameraman for a commercial television station, a desk attendant at an art center, an orderly in a mental ward of a private hospital, an activities director, a coach and a travel host for sports enthusiasts. He has acted from an early age and, within the last few years, he has also directed (and continues to act) around the country. His direction for the original play The Last Lifeboat won a local directing award. Jim co-authored a one-woman play about Lillian Carter, Miss Lillian: More than a President’s Mother, the basis of the docudrama now streaming on Prime and other platforms. He has also written two novels as well as having co-authored a true romance (their story) with his wife, Carol Swarbrick Dries. Jim’s son Sean and Sean’s husband have two children; daughter Holly has three grown sons; and daughter Keri has two children. Since moving full-time to Florida, Jim and Carol have been instrumental in starting their county’s only PFLAG chapter and is active with related groups like Volusia County Pride and Equality Florida.
Carol Swarbrick Dries has made her living in musical theater stages around the world, having leads on Broadway in 42nd Street, Side by Side by Sondheim, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and Whoopee!. She has also starred in numerous television series and feature films. She was thrilled to be one of the five soloists in a Steven Sondheim tribute with the Seattle Symphony conducted by the great Marvin Hamlisch. In 2013 Carol and Jim decided to write a one woman play for Carole to perform internationally. They lighted upon Lillian Carter, mother of former President Jimmy Carter. The more Carol and Jim learned about this woman, the more the Miss Lillian story resonated with them. One fortuitous event after another lead Carolyne and Jim to an invitation from Jimmy Carter to visit Plains, Georgia, and meet more of the family. More than a handful of additional meetings with Roselyn and Jimmy Carter, each one had clarified and added the stories that are told in Miss Lillian: More than a President‘s Mother. In 2019 Vivian Windsor and producer Steven Ullman were able to head up a team to film excerpts of the play for which Ronni Sanlo and Kelly Watson are executive producers. In August 2023, Carol and Jim moved to Volusia County, Florida where they learned that the county had no PFLAG chapter. They were successful in launching one and the chapter now participates in several community and national events supporting, advocating for and educating about the LGBTQ plus community and those who love them.
Regina Lark, Ph.D., is founder and CEO of A Clear Path, helping people de-clutter and organize their lives. Formerly she worked at the UCLA Women’s Studies program. As a business woman, academic and author, Regina transforms the way people think about organization and productivity by revealing the fascinating connection between brain science and behavior. While at UCLA, Regina spent many years and hours volunteering at the annual Lavender Graduation ceremony. As a speaker and consultant, she helps audiences understand how their brain’s executive function impacts everything from decluttering decisions to daily productivity. Blending her academic background in women’s history with extensive training in neuroscience and executive function, Regina brings a unique perspective to the challenges of modern life. Through her company, A Clear Path, she’s spent over 15 years helping individuals and organizations create sustainable systems that work with their natural patterns rather than against them.
Jody C. Randall (she/her) serves as the inaugural Vice President and Chief Experience Officer at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Most recently, Dr. Randall served as Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer. She has held leadership roles at Murray State University, Texas Tech University, and a variety of non-profit community organizations. She is a graduate of Vanderbilt University where she received a doctorate in leadership and learning in organizations. Dr. Randall served as the founding director for the Office of LGBTQIA Education & Engagement and as an adjunct lecturer for Women’s & Gender Studies at Texas Tech University. As an action-oriented and passionate advocate and educator, Dr. Randall’s efforts contributed to Texas Tech University being named among Campus Pride’s “Best of the Best” LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges & Universities nationwide. Jody serves as the President of the Texas Pride Community Foundation. Previously, Dr. Randall served on the Board of Directors for the Equality Federation Education Fund (chair), Heartland CARES, Inc. (chair), Kentucky Fairness Alliance (chair), the Texas Association of College and University Student Personnel Administrations (TACUSPA) and was active in the leadership of the Gender and Sexuality Leadership Team for Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA). Dr. Randall has received numerous awards at the institutions where she has served, including the President’s Excellence in Gender Equity Award (2020) and an Inclusive Excellence Award (2019) at Texas Tech University, and the President’s Award for Diversity & Inclusion (2013) and a Staff Excellence Award (2011) at Murray State University. Dr. Randall received an Intersectional Inclusion Award from the NASPA Gender and Sexuality Knowledge Community (2024). Dr. Randall holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development. She received a Bachelor of Integrated Studies in Human Services and a Master of Science in Human Development and Leadership from Murray State University.
Conifer Selintung is an advocate for all students whether that be at a local school board meeting or one-on-one. They graduated from Longwood University with a Bachelors of Art in Communication Studies, with a concentration in Digital Media and a minor in Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies. During their time in college, they helped with the second annual Lavender Ceremony in 2024 before leading the organization of the event in 2025 with a turnout of over 150+ faculty, staff, friends, and graduates. After graduating, Conifer is now a Pathways Adviser with AdviseVA at Freedom High School in Virginia. As a Pathways Adviser, they help guide students to find their postsecondary pathways and help them get there efficiently and effectively. In their free time, Conifer likes to relax by playing a cozy game with a warm cup of tea, often joined by their boyfriend, Nick.
Ricky Wan has 25+ years of professional higher education experience anchored at the two flagship University of California campuses – UC Berkeley and UCLA where he has focused on supporting students’ success in Residential Life, Student Support Services, and Career Services. For the past decade, he has served as a career coach/advisor specifically for UCLA’s graduate student population. In addition, as a Certified Gallup Global Strengths Coach, Rick gets to tap into his passion for helping others to see what is possible in their lives through the Clifton Strengths tool. Lastly, he is a visiting part-time instructor at the University of the Pacific’s Eberhardt School of Business. Rick is an alumnus of Pasadena City College, California State University, Los Angeles, Colorado State University, and the University of Southern California. He and his family live and thrive in Stockton, California where he is the caretaker of his two kids, Luca and Leo, and his partner Maria Blandizzi who serves as the Vice President for Student Life at the University of the Pacific.
Our Strategic Plan
Lavender Graduation Legacy Project
Strategic Plan 2025-2026
Lavender Graduation was created in 1995 at the University of Michigan to honor the lives of LGBTQ graduating students and their academic achievement. It was designed to show LGBTQ students that they mattered to the institution. Lavender Graduations have been hosted at colleges and universities for the past 30 years. The Lavender Graduation Legacy Project supports those celebrations and encourages high schools to host Lavender Graduations as well. The Project also encourages LGBTQ community centers and other organizations to host “The Lavender Graduation You Never Had” for their LGBTQ older community members. Finally, the Lavender GraduationLegacy Project is the repository for the Lavender Graduation archives, preserving our history at a time when it’s being erased.
| Name: | Lavender Graduation Legacy Project: Celebrating our LGBTQ+ Story |
| Vision: | A world where every LGBTQ+ person is visible, honored and celebrated in a Lavender Graduationt ceremony and where our history is preserved. |
| Mission: | To support schools and organizations in hosting meaningful, inclusive Lavender Graduation ceremonies by providing training, resources, and inspiration as well as preserving our Lavender Graduation history through archiving. |
| Core Values: | Celebration Visibility Equity Community Affirmation History |
| Goal 1: | Administration • Annual budget • Strategic plan |
| GOAL 2: | Training • Toolkits • Personal support meetings • Resources |
| GOAL 3: | Mentorship • Connect first-time Lav Grad hosts with experienced Lav Grad hosts • The National Lavender Graduation Legacy Project Network which is a coalition of institutions and organizations who share best practices. |
| GOAL 4: | Fundraising/Marketing • Sponsorships • Advertising • Social Media • Donations • Grants • Attend as an exhibitor: the NGLTF Creating Change 2026 and 2027 conferences, PFLAG 2026 conference, NASPA and ACPA 2027 conferences |
| GOAL 5: | Speakers • Host a keynote speakers’ team |
| GOAL 6: | Archives • Collect and preserve Lavender Graduations programs, paraphernalia and regalia, ephemera, photos, stories, articles. All items will be listed on the Archives page on the website. • Invite institutions to send at least one copy of the annual program and a stole and/or other items to the Lavender Graduation Legacy Project Archives for historical purposes and safekeeping. |
“I was thinking of you [Dr. Sanlo] last month when someone in my group asked us to name some folks who helped us feel recognized and special when we were young. I instinctively named you, that I graduated when you had recently joined UM and was recognized at the first lavender graduation. I explained that you started it when only a small group of us were out and ready to be honored publicly. And eventually it expanded and what a wonderful tradition to spread across the country. To my pleasure, someone nearly 30 years younger than me said they graduated college recently and loved their lavender graduation and appreciated hearing the origin story!!”
— Connie C. Linas.
Member:
NASPA
LGBTQ Leaders in High Education
Society of American Archivists
Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals