Photo Credit: Janet Rogers, Division of Strategic Marketing and Communications

Keynote speaker urges crowd to live honestly

Happiness was the order of the evening. Students were happy that finals were winding down, happy that graduation is approaching, and happy to be part of a group that respects courage and honesty.

Lavender Graduation and Pride Awards, an event begun in 2005, once again recognized UMKC’s LGBTQIA graduates and community for the work they have accomplished at UMKC. Following a tradition started last year, the group gathered for a banquet at the Student Union May 14. The event was coordinated by LGBTQIA Programs and Services in the Office of Student Involvement.

During dinner, a Conservatory string quartet played and images of this year’s graduates appeared on the room’s large screens. Deans, Student Affairs directors, and several alumni joined the other guests, numbering at almost one hundred, for an evening in which celebrants took joy in looking back on jobs well done.

Dr. Lynette Sparkman-Barnes, associate director of UMKC counseling services and the keynote speaker, told the audience some hard truths: that meanness written off as “kids will be kids” cannot be so easily disposed of when adults do the same thing; and that one shouldn’t be held back or defined by the cruelty of others. Her final affirmation left the audience cheering and applauding – “Live in truth,” she said, “and live in freedom, or live in vain.”

Jonathan Pryor, emcee for the evening, congratulated and thanked the group that planned and hosted MBLGTACC 2014, the country’s largest LGBTQIA college conference. A permanent plaque will pay tribute to their contributions.

Following the dinner, the scholarship winners were announced, graduates were acknowledged and the 2014 Pride Award recipients were recognized. Scholarships went to Michael Friends and Charles T. A. Burt.

Pride Awards  

LGBTQ Student of the Year
This individual is a model of commitment to leadership, advocacy, activism, or education that advances coalitions among LGBTQIA groups city-wide.

• Lukas Harness, 2014 graduate. Harness met with UMKC faculty to help increase their awareness of LGBTQIA issues and the student experience.

Outstanding Faculty & Staff
Those who help create a positive campus climate for LGBTQIA individuals.

• Stuart Hinds – Head, LaBudde Special Collections at Miller Nichols Library, and co-advisor to the student organization Pride Alliance.
• Dr. Eric Grospitch – Dean of Students who championed LGBTQIA student initiatives.

 Collaborative Excellence
Departments whose collaborative efforts have resulted in new or improved resources and services for LGBTQIA students, faculty, staff or community members.

• UMKC Student Government Association

Outstanding Alumni
One who works toward fostering an inclusive community, on campus and elsewhere.

• Victoria Pickering. She advocates for fair and equal treatment of LGBT individuals in healthcare settings.

Jim Wanser Award
One whose volunteer activities have gone above and beyond to create a better community for all

• Amanda Hinman. A Residential Assistant and junior next year, Hinman was a summer camp co-director for Community360, where she trained LGBTQIA high schoolers and their allies in the pursuit of social justice.

 Rising Star
A community member who worked with area high school-age students to foster a friendlier, more inclusive environment in their schools.

• Keri Erbe. A member of the Kansas City Anti-Violence Project, Erbe encouraged the passage of a city-wide anti-bullying ordinance that included sexual orientation and gender identity protections.