April 6, 2026 | By Nick Pfost
Six graduating University of Michigan students—Jacob Bradley Lydick, Chelle Jones, Ayesha Hakim, Ryan Hires, Norah Murphy, and Jack Faulkner—are being recognized by Spectrum Center for their outstanding contributions to campus.
Jacob Bradley Lydick will be honored with the Ronni Sanlo Cornerstone Award, named for beloved former Spectrum Center director Ronni Sanlo who established Lavender Graduation. The recognition is given to a member of the graduating Lavender Class to recognize a graduating student’s sustained and lasting commitment to the LGBTQIA2S+community throughout their time at U-M. Jacob is graduating with a Master of Social Work from the School of Social Work.
Chelle Jones and Ayesha Hakim will receive the Intersectional Advocacy Award. This award is given to a member of the graduating Lavender Class that has shown outstanding dedication to honoring and advocating for the intersectional nature of students’ many identities with LGBTQ+ identities through their involvement and activities during their time at University of Michigan. Chelle is graduating with a Doctor of Philosophy in sociology from the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. Ayesha has earned a Master of Science in Information from the School of Information.
Ryan Hires will be honored with the Inspirational Influence Award. This award is given to a member of the graduating Lavender Class to recognize an individual’s dedication and commitment to creating lasting social change around a particular social issue. Ryan is graduating with a Master of Social Work from the School of Social Work.
Norah Murphy will receive the Excellence in Student Leadership Award. This award is given to a member of the graduating Lavender Class or student organization whose work throughout the year has made a lasting and significant change in the LGBTQIA2S+ community at the University of Michigan. Norah has completed a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree in aerospace engineering from the College of Engineering.
Jack Faulkner will receive the Outstanding Volunteer Award. This distinction is given in recognition of time and efforts dedicated to the Spectrum Center through volunteering. Jack is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience from the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.
All six outstanding awardees will be recognized at Spectrum Center's 32nd annual Lavender
Graduation, a year-end celebration of LGBTQIA2S+ graduates and allies of all genders and sexualities. Originated at U-M in 1995 and now held at over 500 schools across the United States, the celebration will be keynote by Dr. Sari Reisner with remarks by award winner Jacob Bradley Lydick and Spectrum Center director Jesse Beal.
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