Mission College and Silicon Valley Pride Unite for a Historic Lavender Graduation & Spring Fling
Mission College and Silicon Valley Pride are proud to announce the first-ever Lavender Graduation & Spring Fling at Mission College - an event dedicated to honoring LGBTQIA+ graduates, fostering community, and celebrating a legacy of advocacy and inclusion. Taking place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, this milestone event marks 50 years of Mission College and 50 years of Silicon Valley Pride, two institutions that have uplifted and empowered the diverse communities of the Bay Area.
The Lavender Graduation is a national tradition that recognizes the achievements and resilience of LGBTQIA+ students as they embark on their next journey. At Mission College, this ceremony will honor the Class of 2025 Lavender Graduates, awarding each student a certificate of achievement and a Lavender stole, symbolizing their perseverance and success. The event will also acknowledge scholarship recipients whose hard work and dedication have been recognized by the college and community.
"At a time when our rights are under attack and attempts to silence us grow louder, celebrating out loud is a radical act of joy and resistance," said Nicole Altamirano, CEO of Silicon Valley Pride. "Our partnership with Mission College honors 50 years of advocacy, visibility, and community—from a grassroots rally in San Jose to the South Bay’s largest Pride celebration. We continue to create safer spaces where 2SLGBTQIA+ people can thrive—because our stories, our love, and our existence are undeniable.”
Following the graduation ceremony, the night will transition into Spring Fling, a long-standing Silicon Valley Pride tradition that celebrates LGBTQIA+ joy, resilience, and community. Guests will enjoy a full-course dinner, live music, and dynamic entertainment, all leading up to an unforgettable dance party under the stars. The event will also serve as a space for students, faculty, staff, and allies to connect, celebrate, and uplift one another in a spirit of unity and belonging. Most importantly, it will be a testament to the collective power of education and advocacy in shaping a more inclusive future.
"Mission College and Silicon Valley Pride have both spent the past 50 years fostering inclusivity, championing diversity, and building stronger communities," said Dr. Seher Awan, Mission College president. "It is only fitting that we come together for this historic event to celebrate our graduates, our past, and our future."
Event Details
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
Location: Mission College - Central Plaza (3000 Mission College Blvd, Santa Clara, CA)
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
General Admission: $30 (Family, Friends, and Community)
Mission College Lavender Graduates: Free
As a designated sanctuary campus, Mission College is dedicated to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all students, particularly those from historically marginalized communities. Through this event, the college and Silicon Valley Pride reaffirm their shared commitment to empower, uplift, and celebrate LGBTQIA+ students and the broader community.
"This is more than just a graduation or a party - it’s a powerful statement that LGBTQIA+ students belong, they matter, and their achievements deserve to be celebrated," said Ken Songco, Dean of Student Equity & Success at Mission College. "We hope to inspire future generations by honoring the past, celebrating the present, and looking toward a brighter, more inclusive future."
