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NIU Gender And Sexuality Center To Celebrate Student Excellence

The Northern Illinois University Center for Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality is wrapping up the year with a student symposium and honors reception. 

The center is a combination of the former women’s studies and LGBT departments that merged in 2011.  While offering a full program of study, the Center also partners with groups like the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center for activism, such as the recent transgender awareness week.  Center Director Kristen Myers says the political controversy over transgender bathrooms made the institutions' support for the week particularly pertinent.

"This is a great opportunity for us to explain to people that Trans people are part of the fabric of our community.  They’ve been here, they’re not going away.  They’re actually really important to us,: she says.  

As for Friday's events, she says they'll celebrate students' scholarly efforts and allow them to reflect on other contributions. 

“Just knowing that your work is paying off and knowing that people are doing things that are affecting others and paving the way for an easier life for lots of our community members,” she said.  

Friday’s festivities will be split into two parts.  The first is a scholarly symposium, where students present academic research.  Afterward, there will be a reception where graduates can receive their tassels and say farewell to their peers.  The events begin at 1 p.m. in the Holmes Student Center.