Pride Coalition

The Pride Coalition provides an opportunity for GLBTA students, alumni, faculty, staff to build community together. We gather every other week to strengthen our relationships, discuss GLBTA-related topics, determine collective actions to promote GLBT equity and inclusion at BSU, and have fun! Some group members also volunteer as their time allows by attending Pride Center programs, serving on an ad-hoc committee to select award and scholarship recipients, or mentoring students who are developing programming and advocacy initiatives.

We are a subcommittee of the University's Diversity Council and, as such, we are occasionally asked to provide input on new campus-wide GLBTA-related diversity initiatives.

Join us as we build an inclusive, mutually supportive, and welcoming environment together for GLBTA students, faculty, staff, and administrators.  All sexual orientations, gender identities, and backgrounds are welcome. 

Mission Statement
The Pride Coalition is an organization open to all students, alumni, and employees who represent Bridgewater State University's (BSU) Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Allies (GLBTA) community. The mission of the Pride Coalition is to help create a more welcoming, inclusive, and safe campus for the GLBTA community.

Spring 2013 Meetings
 We meet every other week. One week is a more structured discussion about projects we are working on or topics of importance to the participants. The other week is literally all fun and games. We sometimes have karaoke, sometimes board games. The main goal of this hour together is to get to know each other in a casual setting.

 Discussions on topics of interest:
Thursdays: January 31 in Conant 471, February 28 in RCC 202, and April 11 in Conant 471

Informal discussion and fun (e.g., karaoke, board games):
Thursdays: February 14 in RCC 202, March 28 in RCC 202, April 25 in RCC 202, May 9 in Conant 471

What would I do?
Unlike most committees, the Pride Coalition will not pressure you to take on more work. You will not walk out of the meetings with a longer To Do List. You will, however, have opportunities to get involved to the degree you feel you are able and comfortable, and your choices will always be respected. Those who are able to contribute time will have opportunities to make a real difference in the GLBTA BSU community. One way is to serve on one or more of the 3 ad-hoc committees that convene during the spring semesters.

Barney Frank Equality Scholarship
Time commitment: Approximately 5 hours
Program link: http://www.bridgew.edu/GLBTA/scholarship.cfm 
This ad-hoc committee meets three times beginning in late Feb/early Mar and their work is completed by Mar 22. The scholarship is designed to provide a bit of a financial safety net for students who have lost financial support from their parents because they are GLBT. We typically receive about 10 applications which we read and assess on our own. Then we meet once for about an hour to determine who we would like to bring in to discuss in person the students’ applications. We typically bring in 3 – 5 students to meet with the committee members for a half hour time block. Juliana reserves the rooms and schedules the interviews back to back for us. We then have a final meeting together to make our decision, although sometimes we can decide immediately following the interviews. It all depends on how much agreement exists among the committee members.
 

Camp Pride Committee
Time commitment: Approximately 2 hours
Program link: http://www.bridgew.edu/GLBTA/campuspride.cfm 
Each year, the Pride Center sends 2 students to Camp Pride, the nation’s only LGBT leadership camp for college students. At Camp Pride, students develop leadership and advocacy skills in a program that many have called “life changing.” Check out the 2 videos on the program link to hear from 2 students who attended camp.
We typically receive less than 5 applications to Camp Pride and have only one meeting (1 to 1.5 hours) to select the recipients. This committee would also help us to promote awareness of the camp by posting flyers in their respective areas and posting info on Facebook pages and Twitter.

Rainbow Award
Time commitment: Approximately 3 hours
Program link: http://www.bridgew.edu/GLBTA/rainbowprideaward.cfm
This year is the 2nd year for this award and the committee reviews nominations of students, faculty, and staff who have demonstrated significant commitment to GLBTA equity and inclusion. Jennifer Maus is the chair of this committee. Please contact her for more details at jennifer.maus@bridgew.edu.
 

How do I join?
If you would like to be a member of the Coalition, simply contact Lisa "Lee" Forest at lisa.forest@bridgew.edu.
 

        Co-chairs for Spring 2013 

Kathy Bailey
Faculty in the Social Work Department
Identifies as lesbian
Preferred Pronouns:  She, Her, Hers

Kathy Bailey is an assistant professor in the School of Social Work. Kathy can support students interested in developing social action projects, learning more about community organizing strategies, working with elders and issues related to the elder GLBT population, and engagement in undergraduate and graduate research projects.

 

 

Lisa "Lee" Forest

GLBTA Pride Center
Identifies as queer
Preferred pronouns: They, Their/s, Them

Lee serves as the director of the Pride Center and encourages any student with a passion in social justice and LGBT concerns to contact Lee directly.  Lee will provide resources, support, and abundant enthusiasm to each project a student elects to pursue.

 

Student, Alumni, Faculty, and Staff Members of the Pride Coalition

  Matt Bell

  Assistant Professor

  English

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Matt Bell teaches courses in queer studies, American literature, and film, and his research interest include the gay liberation movement, post-war American fiction, queer cinema, and queer theory.

  Janine Boutin, M.Ed.
  Assistant Director

  IT Media Services
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identifies as an ally
Preferred Pronouns: Feminine

 

Janine is an assistant director in Information Technology, providing technology support to meetings, events, and conferences at BSU.  She started on the BSU campus in 1989 as a student worker.  Prior to that (for 15 years), Janine taught and directed Preschool and was a Teacher of Special Education.  In addition to being an active ally for the Pride Coalition, Janine participates in many BSU and local programs.  Some of these include Freshmen Book Clubs, International Office, Health and Safety Committee, Reception Center Team, Hemophilia Support, South Shore Men of Harmony Barbershop Chorus, Buckaroo Square Dancers, Happy Rounds Round Dancers, and support for Active Duty Armed Services and Veterans.

Heidi Burgiel

Associate Professor

Mathematics
 

  

Barbara Bond
 Assistant Professor

Social Work

 

 

 

Maureen Chaves
Staff Assistant

Graduate Studies

 

 

 

Emerald Cohen
 Administrative Assistant I

University Admissions

 

 

Alexis Conley

Staff Assistant, Event Coordinator

Conference and Event Services

 

 

  Patrick Conley

  Student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred Pronouns: Masculine (he/him/his) or Gender Neutral (they/their/theirs/them/ze/hir/hirs)

 

 

Hi there!  My name is Patrick, or Pat, whichever works for you!  I am currently a freshman here at Bridgewater State University and I am an undecided major.  However, in my time I've spent here, I am now beginning to lean towards Communications or Social Work, because I have found I love to work with people.  I enjoy spending my free time watching TV, reading, and being with my friends and family.  I am also very passionate about volunteering - particularly as a coach for Special Olympics and as a Relay for Life participant.  I truly believe in being kind to others and working hard every day to make each day a better one than the one before.  Being a part of the GLBTA Pride Center and Pride Coalition has changed my outlook on life in the most positive way, and I'm so glad to be working with such a great group of students, staff, and faculty who are committed to what they do.

 

Cathy Davis

Staff Associate

Director of Campus Recreation

Athletics and Recreation
 

  

Debbie Drago

Preschool Teacher

Children's Center


 

I am a preschool teacher at BSU in the Children's Center located in the Burnell Building.  Bridgewater is my hometown and I am also a two time BSC alumni.  I have been a member of the Pride Coalition for a few years and also was previously on the Safe Zone committee.  I look forward to helping with social events in the future.  My background is in Early Childhood and Special Education and I am available as a resource in these areas.  We also hire work study students if you are interested in working with preschoolers.

 

 Jennifer Fallas

 Visiting Lecturer; English

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred Pronouns: Gender Neutral (ze/hir/hirs)

 

Areas of expertise: feminism/s, media literacy (specifically gender and sexuality)
Fernanda Ferreira

Associate Professor and Chairperson

Foreign Languages

 

 

 

Frank Fitzpatrick

Graduate Student

Identifies as pansexual

Preferred Pronouns: he, him, his

Frank Fitzpatrick is a graduate student majoring in Special Education. He is a school music teacher, is married, and identifies as Bi. He hopes that by coming out in this forum that young people (and older folks like him) will not feel alone any more. He is very angry that the suicide rate is higher than average for GLBT people.

 

  Sabrina Gentlewarrior

  Director

  Office of Institutional

  Diversity

 

 Sabrina Gentlewarrior is a social worker who has worked for thirty years supporting diversity and social justice in various roles as a clinician, activist, educator, researcher and administrator. As BSU's Director of the Office of Institutional Diversity, Dr. Gentlewarrior works cross-divisionally with campus members to support them in enhancing their self awareness, knowledge and skills regarding diversity practices so that they are positioned to contribute to Bridgewater State University's achievement of our diversity institutional strategic priority.

 

  Julie Hayes

  Resident Director

  Residence Life and

  Housing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Julie Hayes has been a staff member since July 2011.  Prior to that, she worked as a Complex Director at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where she helped with the formation of Gamma Rho Lambda (an LBTA sorority) and was a liaison to the Campus Pride organization.  At BSU, she works as a Resident Director and has a special interest in GLBT housing, gender-neutral housing and inclusivity in the residence halls.  Stop by Crimson hall anytime to say hi!

 

Anne Hird

Professor

Secondary Education and Professional Programs


 

 

 

 

 

John Hooker

Assistant Professor

Art

 


 

 

 

Lou Johnson

 

 

 

 

Erin Kennelly

Resident Director

Residence Life and Housing

 

 

 

Hannah Karpman

 

 

 

Shelly Keniston

Associate Director

Residence Life and Housing
 

 

Michael Kocet
 Associate Professor and Program Director for Student Affairs Counseling

Counselor Education

 

  

Rich Landry

Resident Director

Residence Life and Housing

 

 

 

  Andrew Larson

  Student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identifies as gay

Preferred Pronouns: Masculine

 

 

 

Andrew is currently a senior majoring in Sociology with a minor in Communication Studies.  Over the past 2 years, Andrew has worked extensively with many on campus groups and offices related to social justice and diversity.  He is currently serving as the secretary of the Social Justice League, as well as the Senior Programming Assistant for the brand new Social Justice Residential Learning Community housed in Scott Hall.  He also works as a mentor for the FAM for Change program, which pairs students from BSU with students from Brockton High School.

Nicole Lourenco

 

 

 

  Amy MacMannis

  Academic Advisor

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identifies as an ally
Preferred Pronouns: Feminine

 

 I am an Academic Advisor in the Academic Achievement Center at BSU.  I've been a Professional Advisor for the last 8 years.  I truly love working with college students.  They teach me so much and remind me every single day of the importance of my work.  I would have to say that listening is the most important aspect of the job.  Each student brings his/her/hir worldview and perspective to the college experience.  It is critical to value this in each and every encounter.  I learned a long time ago that advising is only partly about giving academic advice - it's much more about supporting students in their development as human beings.  It's about listening and asking questions to learn more.  It is important to note that I have also accumulated a lot of college knowledge - policies, programs, navigating the Degree Audit, choosing a major, etc... and am very willing to help students with sound and concrete advice about anything related to academic careers.  I specialize in working with students who struggle academically by helping them to recognize obstacles and develop strategies for success.  Most of my research has been involved with the obstacles part of that equation.  Students have so much to navigate.  I understand that and would welcome the opportunity to mentor anyone who could use a little support.

 

  T.C. "Chris" Mattocks,

  Ed.D.

  Associate Professor

  Educational

  Leadership Program

 

Identifies as an ally
Preferred Pronouns: Masculine

 

Chris Mattocks has been a member of the BSU faculty since 2008.  Prior to that, he was a school superintendent for 30 years in Massachusetts, Idaho and Montana.  At BSU he specializes in teaching school law, with particular emphasis on the rights of students in a educational setting.  He is also a member of the MA Commission of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth (GLBTY).  Although he is not a lawyer, Chris is available to discuss with you the legal issues of GLBT students, the work of the MA GLBT Commission, and how the MA Legislature handles such topics.

 

 

  Jennifer Maus

  Event Coordinator

  Conference and

  Event Services

 

 

 

 

Identifies as an ally
Preferred Pronouns: Feminine

 

Jennifer worked for 3 years in the GLBTA Pride Center as the office assistant.  She is understanding of the needs of GLBTA students and is an ally to the community.  Jennifer now works as an Event Coordinator in the Conference and Event Services office and is located in ECC107.  Jennifer is available to speak with students at any time.

Christina McCauley

Assistant Director

New Student Programs

Student Involvement and Leadership

 

 

 

Heather McMahon

 

 

 

 

  Ben Miele

  Student

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred Pronouns: Masculine

 

 

Ben is a senior Political Science major concentrating in Legal Studies.  At BSU, he serves as the Senior Resident Assistant of Shea Hall, the Treasurer of Student Government Association, Secretary of BSU Democrats, and an Ambassador for the GLBTA Pride Center.  With the Pride Center, Ben is working toward creating an overnight leadership retreat for GLBTA students.  He hopes that with this retreat, students that don't typically seek out leadership opportunities will benefit from this retreat.  In addition, he is looking to help educate seasoned student leaders to create an even more inclusive campus climate at BSU.

 

Kelly Neufell

Student

 

 

 

 

David O'Malley

Assistant Professor and BSW Program Coordinator

Social Work

 

 

 

 

Kelly Ried

Student

 

 

 

  Brian Salvaggio

  Assistant Vice President

  of Student Affairs

 

 

 

 

 

Identifies as gay
Preferred Pronouns: Masculine

 

Brian has worked at BSU since 1993 and has been a key campus advocate for LGBT students.  He helped garner support to develop support services for the LGBT community.  In 1996, he opened the GLBTA Pride Center and hired the first director.  Brian oversees several department in Student Affairs including the GLBTA Pride Center, Career Services, Children's Center, and the Health Services and Counseling Center.  He also has oversight responsibility for Commencement and recognition ceremonies within the division of Student Affairs.  Brian and his partner, Tim, reside in Quincy, MA.

 

Kathy Sandstrum

Administrative Assistant I

Humanities and Social Sciences

 

  

Natalie Skipworth

Graduate Student, School of Social Work

Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers

 

 

 

 

 

Mike Somers

Director

Library Administration

 

 

 

  David Tillinghast

  BSU Chief of Police
 

 

 

 

 

 

Identifies as an ally
Preferred Pronouns: Masculine

 

Chief Tillinghast has been a friend and ally to the Bridgewater GLBT community for more than twenty years.  he is always available for confidential and sensitive consultation regarding matters of personal safety., the enforcement of civil right, or other legal or law enforcement-related concerns.

  Laurent Troland

  Recruitment Coordinator

  Career Services

 

 

 

 

 

Identifies as gay
Preferred Pronouns: he, him, his

 

Laurent works in Career Services where he counsels students on choosing a major, what to do with their career, resume and cover letter writing, internship searches, the job search process, effective interviewing, and graduate school planning.  His area of focus in the office is Employer Services, working with companies and organizations to increase job and internship opportunities for students.  In addition to assisting with any of the above items, Laurent can help LGBT students with being "out" on their resumes, during job hunts, or at interviews.

 

Jen Walsh

Library Assistant III

Library Services/Interlibrary Loan

 

 

 

 

Sarah Wiggins

Associate Professor

Coordinator of Women's Gender Studies and

Assistant Director of Honors Center

History

 

 

 

 

  Donna Wood

  Staff Assistant

  Office of Institutional

  Diversity

 

 

 

 

 

Identifies as an ally
Preferred Pronouns: Feminine

 

Donna Wood works in the Office of Institutional Diversity (OID) and is an LGBT ally.  She works closely with the OID Director, Dr. Sabrina Gentlewarrior, providing diverse programming to campus members in support of equity and social justice.  The OID has recently moved to Moakley, Room 303.  Please feel free to stop by and say hello.