Dear all,
We are in the home stretch of the spring semester! Here are a few announcements and accomplishments below.
Announcements
Come to Rainbow Graduation!
Dear CSUN Community,
You are warmly invited to join us for this year’s Rainbow Graduation Celebration — a vibrant ceremony honoring the achievements, resilience, and joy of our LGBTQIA2S+ graduates and community.
📅 Date: Friday, May 16, 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: Northridge Center Complex, University Student Union (USU)
As part of this celebration, we invite students, faculty, staff, and alumni to submit nominations for our Rainbow Graduation Awards. These awards recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations who have uplifted LGBTQIA2S+ communities through advocacy, education, mentorship, and leadership.
✨ Submit your nomination by visiting:
🔗 https://csun.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4OtVlz2ZBOSp35I
Whether it’s a phenomenal student researcher, a beloved faculty member, an empowering staff leader, or a community partner making waves — we want to honor them.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you.
Encourage Students to Apply for a Rainbow Graduation Award!
- Matthew Clements Outstanding Service Award (QS Faculty Member)
Presented to a faculty member who has gone above and beyond in the realm of service to the Queer Studies Program, fostering an inclusive, engaging, and affirming learning environment for LGBTQIA2S+ students.
Criteria:
- Supports students academically and emotionally, ensuring their success beyond the classroom.
- Advocates for inclusive policies, resources, curriculum, and programming that improve campus climate for LGBTQIA2S+ students in the Queer Studies Program and beyond.
- Sheena Malhotra Pedagogical Excellence Award (Faculty Member)
Presented to a faculty member who has gone above and beyond in the classroom, fostering an inclusive, engaging, and affirming learning environment for LGBTQIA2S+ students.
- Demonstrates exceptional teaching and mentorship of students that fosters an inclusive learning environment.
- Incorporates intersectional LGBTQIA2S+ perspectives, voices, and experiences into their curriculum, pushing the boundaries of what is traditionally taught in Queer Studies through the use of current theories and perspectives
- Lavender Alumni Award (CSUN Alumnus/Alumna)
Awarded to a CSUN alum who has remained active in the LGBTQIA2S+ community, demonstrating leadership, advocacy, and success beyond graduation.
Criteria:
- Actively contributes to LGBTQIA2S+ advocacy, leadership, or visibility in their field or community.
- Serves as a mentor, role model, or inspiration for LGBTQIA2S+ students or graduates.
- Demonstrates notable achievements and success in their career or activism that align with LGBTQIA2S+ empowerment.
- Strengthens CSUN’s LGBTQIA2S+ alumni network or maintains strong ties with the university.
- Sylvia Rivera STAR Award (Community Organization)
Celebrating a community organization that has been instrumental in its partnership with CSUN to advance LGBTQIA2S+ inclusion, advocacy, and resources.
Criteria:
- Demonstrates a strong, positive impact on CSUN’s LGBTQIA2S+ students through programs, services, or partnerships.
- Provides resources, mentorship, or advocacy that benefit the broader LGBTQIA2S+ community.
- Models inclusive leadership, accessibility, and intersectional support for marginalized identities within the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
- Has actively collaborated with CSUN’s Pride Center, student groups, or academic departments to uplift LGBTQIA2S+ students.
- Marsha P. Johnson Legacy Award (Staff Member)
Honoring a CSUN staff member who has been an inspirational advocate, mentor, and champion for LGBTQIA2S+ student success. This individual has demonstrated unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and affirming campus environment, ensuring students feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Criteria:
- Creates an affirming, inclusive, and supportive environment for LGBTQIA2S+ students.
- Demonstrates mentorship and allyship, helping students navigate challenges and celebrate their identities.
- Advocates for institutional changes, policies, or resources that uplift LGBTQIA2S+ students.
- Goes above and beyond their role to ensure LGBTQIA2S+ students feel seen, valued, and empowered on campus.
- Audre Lorde Scholar Award (LGBTQIA2S+ Student Researcher)
Presented to an LGBTQIA2S+ student who has demonstrated excellence in research and scholarship, contributing to the advancement of knowledge on LGBTQIA2S+ identities, experiences, or related social justice issues. This student’s work reflects a deep commitment to inquiry, activism, and academic excellence in uplifting marginalized voices.
Criteria:
- Conducts academic research, creative projects, or advocacy-based scholarship that centers LGBTQIA2S+ communities.
- Demonstrates excellence in critical thinking, analysis, and engagement in their field of study.
- Uses research as a tool for activism, education, or policy change to uplift LGBTQIA2S+ voices.
- Presents, publishes, or shares their work in ways that empower and inspire others.
- Stonewall Spirit Award (LGBTQIA2S+ Student Organization)
Recognizing an LGBTQIA2S+ student club that has made a meaningful impact on campus through advocacy, leadership, and community-building. This organization exemplifies the spirit of the Stonewall movement by fostering belonging, resilience, and empowerment for LGBTQIA2S+ students at CSUN.
Criteria:
- Provides inclusive and affirming programming that fosters belonging for LGBTQIA2S+ students.
- Engages in activism, advocacy, and social justice initiatives that create lasting change.
- Demonstrates strong leadership, collaboration, and mentorship within the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
- Organizes events, workshops, or support groups that contribute to CSUN’s LGBTQIA2S+ student life.
Accomplishments
On April 9th, 2025, Professor Irene Clark attended the Conference on College Composition and Communication in Baltimore, where she served as a Discussion Leader and a Presenter at the Research Network Forum.