Lorraine Schroeder is the director of the LGBT center. She is on a mission to end discrimination and increase awareness. | Courtesy of Lorraine Schroeder
Earlier this month, the College Student Educators International held its annual convention in Las Vegas for the American College Personnel Association’s award ceremony. CSEI invited hundreds of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Awareness directors that have made significant contributions in that area.
Director of the UH LGBT Resource Center Lorraine Schroeder was awarded with this year’s Val DuMontier New Professional Award from the ACPA Standing Committee for LGBT Awareness. The committee highlighted Schroeder’s work to improve the social climate on campus.
“It feels great to win an award, but I’m glad that UH got the recognition for the different programs they offer to help better the students,” Schroeder said.
The Val DuMontier Award is given to professionals specializing in LGBT awareness that have been working in that field for less that five years. Schroeder has been working at the LGBT center for three years.
Because of Schroeder’s contributions to the community, she hopes her dedication will be recognized by the administration so the center can receive more resources to better help increase awareness. Schroeder is a half time director of the LGBT Resource Center and is making an effort to expand the awareness.
“The number one thing is to devote more resources for the LGBT center, and that can come in the form of making me full time and giving more help to the students,” Schroeder said.
The LGBT center offers programs for students to be part of the community and to help with diversity issues.
Pre-nursing freshman Devin Hill says he is excited that Schroeder received the award. He is proud of the LGBT director and that she is finally being recognized for the work she has done for the community.
“She devotes a lot of time,” Hill said. “It takes a lot to be who you are and to go out there and do the things that help the community and herself.”
Schroeder plans on educating students about diversity and LGBT awareness around campus. She feels that the most derogatory remarks are made against the LGBT students and staff. She welcomes students to the Resource Center and sends out newsletters so they can be updated and educated about the awareness.
“Students know that I’m always there and that I am involved with the community. I care about what’s going on with them and to let them know that they can come to me for help,” Schroeder said.
