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Brandon Stephens has a passion to serve. For the past three years he has been the president of �鶹ӰԺ’s PRIDE, a student organization standing for People Respecting Identity, Diversity and Equality.

As Stephens gets ready to graduate, he is hoping to work with Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) youth, and those with alcohol dependency.

“It’s something that affects the LGBTQ community a lot, and something that means a lot to me as well,” Stephens says.

Like Stephens, Yubi Orengo also is a member of PRIDE. She is getting ready to graduate and enter the field of fashion merchandising.

“Anywhere clothes are being made, I want to be,” says Orengo, smiling.

Both Orengo and Stephens credit their academic success to the support they have received from �鶹ӰԺ State’s LGBTQ organizations and programs.

As a way to celebrate, they are preparing for Lavender Graduation, a ceremony to honor the importance of the graduates, acknowledge their achievements and proclaim victory over the obstacles that LGBTQ students often face.

This year’s keynote speaker features �鶹ӰԺ State’s President Beverly Warren.

“The fact that she’s taking time out of her schedule to show compassion for LGBTQ students is phenomenal,” Stephens says.

Stephens and Orengo hope to see the entire �鶹ӰԺ State community attend Lavender Graduation – a welcoming send-off as students transition from their academic life into a professional career.

“Everything I’ve wanted for my life is falling into place,” Orengo says. “This is just one step in a huge highway of things I want to do in my life.”

"I’m very excited,” Stephens says. “I’m nervous. I’ve had the time of my life here. It’s been five years and I’ve loved every second of it.”

Learn more about the LGBTQ Student Center