GLBTAA Fall Update

Written by Patrick Hewitt ('10)

Prior to each Denison Alumni Council meeting on campus, the GLBTAA’s representative updates the larger Council on our activities. Here’s an expanded version of new GLBTAA representative Patrick Hewitt’s fall report, presented on September 30, with its brief overview of our events. We want to thank Bryan Blaskie ‘09 for his service as our previous GLBTAA rep. As part of a banner year for gay rights, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Alumni Association has been working diligently to update and streamline its governance structure while continuing to host events and activities for students and alumni.

In April, the GLBTAA and Outlook coordinated an on-campus panel entitled “How to Navigate the Workspace as a Queer Person” with Caitlyn Battaglia ‘13, Jeffrey Masten ‘86 and Josh Williams ’07 as panelists and moderated by current Outlook President Brian Allen ‘17. The panel answered numerous questions from students and discussed the difficulties and experiences of GLBT Denison alums as they entered professional careers in business, academia, and state government.

During the spring Reunion Weekend, the GLBTAA hosted a gathering at Beth Eden House for alums attending class reunions. Hosts Rick Carson ’65, Valerie Mockus ’94 and Patrick Hewitt ’10 welcomed approximately 20 GLBTAA members as well as President Adam Weinberg, Vice President for Student Development Dr. Laurel Kennedy and various faculty and staff. We are excited to have so many members of the group from across classes meet, socialize and discuss their on-campus experiences as well as ways in which current alumni can continue to contribute to Denison.

The GLBTAA once again joined Outlook to host a Big Red Weekend discussion and social hour on September 26, at the home of Dean of Students Bill Fox. The annual event brought together about 30 returning alumni, current students, faculty, and staff to meet and to discuss the current campus climate for GLBTQ students and Outlook’s past history and present goals. Special thanks to Dean Fox for welcoming our groups into his home for the event.

We also are looking forward to hosting regional events and have a tentative gathering of alumni scheduled for Chicago. Additionally, we are seeking opportunities to bring alumni back to campus in support of classroom or related activities. Please contact VOICES SWELL if you have expertise that you would be willing to share in a classroom or extracurricular setting.

Internally, the GLBTAA continues to work to streamline and update our governing documents The Steering Committee has been expanded to include alums Laura Kendrick ‘04, Caitlyn Battaglia ‘13 and Nikki Hurley ‘15. We have worked to better define roles within the group and are moving forward on website construction and new communication methods. We intend to bolster our already active social media presence with regular newsletter updates. Additionally, the GLBTAA will be sending out more information about exciting changes and opportunities to volunteer with Denison’s Center for Career Exploration and Office of Alumni Affairs.

As the GLBTQ community and our allies celebrate a series of victories nationwide, the GLBTAA continues to grow and change to adapt to the needs of current and former students. We look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.