Taking strides

Ferris fostering inclusivity

A new LGBTQ Center, which has been underway for years, is expected to be complete by mid-February. 

The center, which will be located in the University Center next to the Veterans Center, is something that has been considered for years, according to the new LGBTQ coordinator, Ferris alumni, Kendree Berg. 

“This has been in the works for a very long time, probably before I even started coming here as a student in 2010. It was written into the diversity plan by Dr. Pilgrim in the diversity committee a few years ago. More recently, students have been doing a really good job of continuing to advocate for this center and making sure that the university knows that this is a priority and that it needs to happen now,” Berg said. 

The center will be used for a variety of different activities and will be a resource center for LGBTQ students. 

“There’s always going to be someone there to greet students, to answer their questions, someone to listen to them if they have something they need to talk about. But really it’s just a place where we can host events, where our students organizations can meet if they want to and where people can hang out and meet other people like them and just feel really comfortable and safe in that environment,” Berg said. 

The center and new coordinator are exciting new additions to campus for many LGBTQ students and organizations who are looking for better representation and fellowship in the LGBTQ community. 

“I’m excited that the representation will be there and that now there will be a forum for more open discussion about issues that the LGBT community may face,” Ferris technical digital media production senior and DSAGA member, Raymond Heinlen said. “I’d love to be able to refer [DSAGA members] to the center or have the center refer people to us if they’re looking for that extra community.”

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