Last modified: Thursday, September 15, 2011
IU's GLBT Student Support Services to cut ribbon for renovated facility
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 15, 2011
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Student Support Services at Indiana University Bloomington will celebrate the completion of its newly renovated campus facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony this Friday (Sept. 16).
A brief ceremony and a formal ribbon-cutting will take place at 12:30 p.m. followed by an open house until 4 p.m., all at the GLBTSSS House at 705 E. Seventh St. across from Dunn Meadow. IU students, staff, faculty, administrators, alumni, neighbors and friends are invited to attend.
"With the renovation, we've been able to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all students who visit the office, a real 'home-like' atmosphere," said Doug Bauder, the GLBT Student Support Services coordinator. "That's especially important for those students who do not feel accepted in their own homes. In addition we are now able to provide more space for a growing number of interns from a variety of IU academic programs, who seek to develop their skills in a friendly setting."
The ceremony will include remarks by Bauder; Karen Hanson, IU Bloomington provost and executive vice president; Harold "Pete" Goldsmith, dean of students; Ken Gros Louis, chancellor emeritus; Peg Brand, associate professor of philosophy and women's studies at IUPUI; and student Eric Gonzaba, GLBT office outreach coordinator. There will be music by members of the Quarryland Men's Chorus, along with refreshments on the lawn.
The renovation transformed the three offices, a library and break room on the first floor of the GLBT House, providing new drywall and paint, refinished wooden trim, new carpeting and some electrical improvements. A handicapped-accessible restroom was added near the accessible entry at the back of the house. New furniture was purchased for the offices, including the reception area. Students helped out by restoring antique brass and woodwork to their original glory.
Part of the IU Bloomington Division of Student Affairs, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Student Support Services office serves as a resource and information center for campus and community individuals, groups, events, and activities. The office provides a welcoming environment for individuals seeking to grow in their understanding of GLBT issues.
Its mission is to provide information, support, mentoring and counseling to members of the IU campus and the larger community through networking, collaborating, education, and outreach in an attempt to create a climate where all members of the community are encouraged to promote and defend diversity.
For more information, see https://www.indiana.edu/~glbt/.
