Prior to each Denison Alumni Council meeting on campus, the GLBTAA’s representative updates the larger Council on our activities. Here’s a version of GLBTAA representative Patrick Hewitt’s spring report to the Council:

Hewitt-Head-ShotEvery election year underscores the ongoing need for the GLBT community to promote understanding, education, and interaction. The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Alumni Association continues to promote a strong network of Denison alumni to build connections, promote education, and support current students.

In September, the GLBTAA hosted a social hour during Big Red Weekend. The event was open to current students, alumni, faculty, and staff, and the discussion ranged from current issues on campus to the dramatic changes in campus life for GLBT people. The event, hosted by Dean of Students Bill Fox and his family and moderated by current Outlook President Brian Allen, showcased the continued work of current students to make Denison a welcoming place.

Over the winter, the GLBTAA set up and began managing an account to provide alumni the opportunity to direct donations to Outlook. For those wanting to support our current students, here are the details:

1. Visit support.denison.edu/give to make your contribution online.
2. Designate your gift toward highest priorities on the first page.
3. On the second page under “additional details about my gift” indicate that your support is for the GLBTAA Fund.

Any donations go directly to the fund to support on-campus events and community-related educational opportunities for current students.

For the alumni association, the Steering Committee continues its work to build a website for the organization. It will include up-to-date information, an online newsletter, information about how to get involved, and ways to give to Denison.

The GLBTAA will be hosting an open house during the 2016 Reunion Weekend. It will take place on June 4, 2016 from 3-5 PM in Beth Eden (the admissions office) First Floor. The event will include a social gathering, conversation, and brief updates on Outlook, the Queer Studies program, and the alumni association. Stop by to meet new Denisonians, connect with former classmates, and get an update on the Denison GLBT community.

Life on campus has also changed, with the college introducing new majors to meet the demand of prospective students and better orient the college toward in-demand careers. The Center for Career Exploration is also introducing new ways for Denisonians to explore the workforce and for alumni to assist current students, such as the internship program and Denison Switchboard.

The GLBTAA has numerous opportunities coming up to get involved and stay in contact with your classmates, friends, and current students. We will continue to update you in the coming months. Thank you!
–Patrick