Our Graduating Cardinals Make Us PROUD! 3rd Annual Lavender, CSD, and Veterans Graduation Luncheon

York College proudly celebrated the third annual Lavender, Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD), and Veteran's Graduation luncheon —a meaningful tradition that continues to shine brighter each year.

Co-hosted by the Women’s Center for Gender Justice, CSD, Veteran Affairs, and Health and Wellness Office, this signature event was created to uplift, honor, and recognize the unique journeys of our graduating Cardinals.

The atmosphere was filled with Cardinal pride as students brought their full selves to the celebration, radiating joy, strength, and accomplishment. This celebration wasn’t just about graduating—it was about honoring the journeys, identities, and triumphs that brought each student to this moment. It was a powerful reflection of York’s values: community, resilience, and a shared commitment to seeing every student soar.

The afternoon began with a graduation luncheon filled with warmth, joy, and heartfelt appreciation. Faculty and staff who’ve walked alongside our students throughout their academic journeys beamed with pride as they witnessed the next generation prepare to take flight. The ceremony featured a powerful lineup of speakers, including Dr. James Salnave (Assistant Vice President for Student Development), Charmaine Townsell (Senior Director of Wellness and Resources), Nicole Acevedo (Interim Director of the Women’s Center for Gender Justice), Dr. Truett Lee Vaigneur, Jr. (LEADS Specialist and adjunct professor of Psychology),  and Noah Burn, a representative of the Office of Veteran's Affairs, who gave passionate remarks on behalf of Larry Eaton, Director of the Veterans' Office.

Each speaker was introduced with personally selected music, adding a thoughtful and festive flair to the celebration. The event concluded in true York style -- with karaoke, dancing, and joyful singalongs, as students, faculty, and staff came together to close the day with laughter, love, and celebration.

This year, we proudly recognized 102 graduates: 

• 49 from the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD)
• 11 Veterans
• 42 Lavender grads from the Women’s Center for Gender Justice.

Each graduate reflects York’s mission and heart. Their accomplishments are a testament to their determination and to the college’s ability to build bridges across departments, identities, and experiences. These moments remind us that at York College, Futures Take Flight because when our Cardinals rise, they carry our hopes and pride with them.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025—Cardinals Forever!