Students, activists lauded at annual GLBTA event

Photo by Bill Petros

The tassels worn by a few students in this year’s graduating ceremony may make a statement that goes beyond pride in being a graduating AU student. Rainbow-colored tassels that symbolize support for gay rights were handed out again last week by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally (GLBTA) Resource Center at its annual award program.

Mindy Michels, former director of the GLBTA Resource Center, left, hands a tassel to Aditi Dussault ’05, right, an economics major who now works for the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Looking on are graduating seniors Kent Peacock, sociology and American studies, and Allison Waithe, anthropology.

The Richard Schlegel National Legion of Honor awards, established by AU alum and gay rights pioneer Schlegel ’54, went to national activists Jay Toole and Gunner Scott. —SA