Rainbow-colored tassels will adorn the caps of nine graduating seniors Thursday in the sixth annual Lavender Graduation in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union.

This event, sponsored by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Student Services, is held to celebrate the achievements of LGBT and ally students on campus, said Jeremy Hayes, LGBT Student Services coordinator.

“We feel it’s important to celebrate the achievements of these students because of the additional challenges they face on a campus where [LGBT] issues can be difficult,” he said. “It adds more stress to the already challenging task of getting a degree.”

Carolyn Cutrona, professor of psychology, will give the keynote speech at this year’s event. She will talk of her journey from being a timid war protester in the 1970s to becoming a strong advocate of full civil rights for LGBT people today.

“These experiences have helped me to grow as a person and as an activist,” she said. “I hope the graduates will take these themes and use them in their own lives.”

Cutrona said she is excited about the event and proud of the students.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of LGBT students at Iowa State, who have accomplished a great deal despite recent acts of hatred toward LGBT individuals,” she said. “They accomplish everything that others do, despite societal prejudice against them.”

Ben Taylor, senior in computer engineering and president of the LGBT and Ally Alliance, will be one of the nine graduates.

“I’ve watched two other Lavender Graduations, and I’m excited that it’s finally my turn,” he said. “It’s like a right of passage. It feels really good to be a part of such a unique community.”

Taylor said he has been part of the LGBT community for three and a half years and has several special memories.

“The biggest impact on my life has been the friends I have made,” he said. “I’m sure many of them will be lifelong friends, and I wouldn’t have met them if it weren’t for the Alliance.”

Graduates will be individually recognized and will receive a personalized certificate and a rainbow tassel as well as a special gift from the Ames chapter of Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays. The event begins at 6 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

The concept of Lavender Graduation started at the University of Michigan in 1995 and has spread across the nation to recognize the accomplishments of LGBT graduates on numerous campuses.

Last year, 20 graduates were honored at Iowa State.