In between the cheers of the crowd at Rhodes Stadium and the traditional Homecoming experiences at Elon, alumni had the opportunity to celebrate Elon's LGBTQIA network.
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As part of the 2012 Homecoming festivities, the LGBTQIA Alumni Network hosted several inaugural events to celebrate diversity and honor a few people whose leadership inspires us all.
The LGBTQ Resource Room in the Powell House was the place to kick off Homecoming Weekend on Oct. 19. An open house in the Resource Room gave alumni a chance to reconnect with old friends, faculty and staff before the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the room. The LGBTQ Resource Room provides a space dedicated to education and support of the University’s LGTBQ population.
Following the ceremony, the LGBTQIA Alumni Network held their first awards ceremony, recognizing three leaders who are making a difference on the campus, as well as in the community at large. Honored were:
Kirstin Ringelberg, who is currently serving as the first coordinator of the LGBTQIA Office and was instrumental in opening the LTBTQ Resource Room. Kirstin is a consummate advocate for students and works tirelessly in their best interest. Kirstin earned her Ph.D. from Chapel Hill in modern and contemporary art history in 2000. She began her Elon career in 2000 and now serves as associate professor of art history and program coordinator.
Elic Senter, who on Nov. 6, 2007, won his first political office when he was elected mayor of Franklinton, N.C. He is one of the few openly gay political leaders in the state and has been a trailblazer for other LGBT individuals to consider running for political office. In 2011, Elic was re-elected to his second term as mayor of Franklinton. Elic is a 1999 graduate of Elon and also a Teaching Fellow who has worked with the North Carolina Association of Educators.
Lowry Sinclair ’65, who gave the first major financial gift to Elon University to support the LGBTQIA community. His gift supports undergraduate students conducting research on LGBT topics. Those who know him, describe him as a passionate, caring and courageous soul.
To close out the Homecoming celebrations, the LGBTQIA Alumni Network hosted a tailgate for people to enjoy the Elon values and traditions that brought them together in the first place. Event organizers hope the network continues developing and growing in the years to come, to further support alumni, students, faculty and staff of the university.
For questions (or interest) in the LGBTQIA Alumni Network, please contact the alumni engagement department at 336-278-7500.