WASHINGTON (October 16, 2018) — Howard University will host the Fourth Annual LGBTA Renaissance Reception during Homecoming on Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. in the Louis Stokes Health Sciences Library Atrium and Lobby. The Renaissance Reception celebrates and honors Howard University students who drive awareness of LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer+) issues, helping to further the university’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, empowerment and scholarship.

“The Renaissance Reception is an annual celebration of our commitment to maintaining a diverse and inclusive university,” says President Wayne A. I. Frederick. “This issue is very near and dear to me and my wife, Simone, which is why we gladly match the donations made at the reception each year. Please continue to give generously to this worthy cause.”

Each year, the HU LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee selects students to receive a monetary scholarship. This year, 26 students applied to receive the Lavender Fund scholarship. Three students will be selected to receive a scholarship and will be awarded during the reception.

“Each year, we look forward to gathering with students, alumni, faculty, and friends of the university as we celebrate inclusion, scholarship and empowerment,” says Gaëlle Ivory, Chair of the LGBTA Renaissance Reception. “The Lavender Fund honors and encourages a culture of inclusion at Howard University and we are very grateful for each and every contribution.”

Speakers will include President Wayne A.I. Frederick, The Rev. Bernard L. Richardson, Ph.D., Dean of Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel, and Christopher Cross, Founder of the Lavender Fund at Howard University.

This year, contributors are encouraged to link their gifts to Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 landmark Supreme Court case. In that spirit, a gift in multiples of $20.15, or $201.50 or $2,150.00 or $20,150.00 would commemorate the year in which marriage equality was won nationwide. Donations will go directly to the Lavender Fund, established to provide ongoing support and scholarships for all students interested in LGBTQ+ advocacy. The Lavender Fund has raised over $15,000 to date.

“As a recipient of the Lavender Fund scholarship, I’ve been able to cultivate my academic and career goals, provide meaningful mentorship, and continue to pursue my dreams at Howard University,” says Justin Calhoun, junior political science major from Mississippi, who is also President of C.A.S.C.A.D.E., and 2017 recipient of the Lavender Fund scholarship.

A sponsorship package is available to sponsors at various levels of giving. For additional information about sponsorship, please click here. 

To donate to the Lavender Fund, please go to Howard.edu/give (search: ‘Lavender Fund' under ‘Choose Designations’). For donations and sponsorship questions, please contact Gaelle.Ivory@howard.edu.

To register to attend the Renaissance Reception, visit the registration page: www.alum.howard.edu/2018homecoming_LGBTQA. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Howard University stands with its LGBTQ+ community and advocates for an environment that respects, welcomes, and supports all students and professionals enabling them to perform to their fullest potential and contribute to the greater goals of the university.

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About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars, one Schwarzman Scholar, over 70 Fulbright Scholars and 22 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.

Media Contact: Misha Cornelius, misha.cornelius@howard.edu