The LGBTQ+ Chapter is a newly formed chapter that was formally affirmed in April 2018. The chapter serves KSU alumni who are members, friends and allies of the LGBTQ+ community. We caught up with the Chapter President, T.J. Horwood, M.Ed. ’02, to hear more about the great things the chapter is doing.
Share an interesting fact about your chapter.
Our chapter has a unique partnership with the KSU LGBTQ Student Center – we collaborate on events and hope that as students graduate they will stay involved with the alumni chapter.
What is your chapter’s biggest accomplishment(s) within the last year?
Forming our board and receiving official affirmation by the KSUAA in April 2018. Our reception prior to Lavender Graduation, the first of its kind, was another big highlight of 2018.
What is the chapter most looking forward to this year?
We are still in the formation phase where we are hyper-focused on engagement with our chapter stakeholders this year. We are hoping that the LGBTQ+ Alumni Chapter will create a space for alumni who identify as LGBTQ+ and our allies to connect with each other through social and networking activities. In addition, we would like for our chapter leaders and members to serve as ambassadors for LGBTQ+ issues to provide another alumni voice at the university and in the broader KSU community that extends across the world. Additionally, we would like to see our chapter help to create long-term, sustainable support for current students in terms of both moral support and financial giving to scholarships like the LGBTQ Emergency Fund.
Please share any chapter traditions.
In 2017, the LGBTQ+ Alumni Chapter started the tradition of having an alumni reception prior to the Lavender Graduation ceremony for graduating students in April. We had a great turnout and look forward to having this reception each year.
In addition, even before being officially recognized as a chapter, alumni came together with the LGBTQ Student Center to host a tailgate party on homecoming weekend and this has been a fun tradition for the last few years that we will continue.
How can alumni, friends and family become involved?
Send an email to T.J. Horwood or Ken Ditlevson.
Participate in one of our upcoming events:
- April 5, 2019: Lavender Graduation ceremony and pre-ceremony Alumni Reception - Register Here
- April 27, 2019: Volunteer for KSU Alumni Day of Service
- Fall 2019: Homecoming TailGAYte Party