This week I was given the opportunity to talk with LGBTQ students and allies on campus. This was such a great opportunity because I have always supported the gay community, so I'm glad to see that the university is supporting them in their own way. It was wonderful to talk with LGBTQ students and to hear how important and special the Lavender Graduation celebration is for them, and how they get to celebrate their identity all together one last time before they graduate.
It is also interesting to have this graduation right after the highly publicized Amendment One vote Tuesday. This is a highly controversial topic that could affect the lives of so many people if passed. But in spite of this happening, it is great to see the LGBTQ students coming together to simply celebrate their accomplishments and involvement on campus, and to have their voice heard once more.
Look for full coverage of Lavender Graduation later this week.
Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour — the first African American female combat pilot — gave an high-energy, interactive lecture March 13 as part of Elon’s 2024-25 Speaker Series. Throughout most of her presentation, Armour had the words “You HAVE permission to engage” projected onto the screen behind her. It was a phrase Armour heard from ground controllers when she served in the United States Marine Corps, and it is a sentiment she has embraced ever since. Throughout the lecture, Armour shared anecdotes from throughout her career and personal life.
Elon University hosted the United States Navy Concert Band in Alumni Gym on March 12. This is the second show in the band's southeastern tour to celebrate the 250 year anniversary of the Navy and the 100 year anniversary of the Navy Band. Throughout the concert, narrators introduced a new era within the Navy by describing advancements in technology, traditions and the Navy’s presence on the world stage. The band will travel to South Carolina next and finish in Washington D.C. The concerts are free to all attendees.