Syracuse University to hold Rainbow Reunion 2007

Syracuse University to hold Rainbow Reunion 2007April 12, 2007Matthew R. Snydermrsnyder@syr.edu

Syracuse University will welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer and ally (LGBTQA) alumni back to campus April 20-22 for Rainbow Reunion 2007.

The weekend, which celebrates the fifth anniversary of the founding of the University’s LGBT Resource Center, will include numerous activities at which alumni can socialize and network, as well as learn more about the LGBT-related developments on campus, such as the LGBT Studies Program and the minor that was launched through SU’s College of Arts and Sciences during the Fall 2006 semester.

The hallmark event of the weekend will be the Fifth Annual Rainbow Banquet, which will take place on Saturday, April 21, from 6-9 p.m. in the Regency Room of the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel and Conference Center.

The banquet is an annual celebration of the accomplishments of students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members who have worked to improve the quality of life for LGBT people on and off campus. The evening will also include a keynote address by Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force; recognition of graduating seniors and graduate students; and a “Queer Year in Review” slide show.

Foreman has been the executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force since May 2003, and during his tenure both the staff and the budget of the organization have doubled. He previously served as executive director of Empire State Pride Agenda, the nation’s largest statewide LGBT political advocacy organization, and of the New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project. He is founder of Heritage of Pride, the organizers of New York City’s annual LGBT pride events, and a member of the New York City Human Rights Commission.

Registration for the weekend’s activities is $60 and includes one ticket to the Rainbow Banquet. Additional banquet tickets can be purchased for $30. To register for the Rainbow Reunion 2007 or for more information, visit http://rainbowreunion.syr.edu.

Further information can also be obtained by contacting the LGBT Resource Center at (315) 443-3983 or e-mailing lgbt@syr.edu.