Mission and Silicon Valley Pride Unite for Lavender Graduation & Spring Fling

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SANTA CLARA, CA -- 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.
"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.”

"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
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
[Purchase Tickets Here]
"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."
Benjamin Demers
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
[email protected]
About Mission College
Mission College is a leading institution of higher education dedicated to providing
accessible, high-quality education that empowers students to succeed.
With a commitment to student success, equity, and innovation, Mission College offers
a diverse range of academic programs, exceptional faculty, and supportive services
to foster a thriving educational community.
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