Fostering Pride All Year Long

Kara Kots

Jun 28, 2023

As June comes to a close, month-long observances dedicated to Pride come to a close. Since summer on a college campus is quieter — with many students and faculty away — North Central College celebrates Pride each year during April, when the Cardinal community is still together on campus for the academic year.

During that month, offices, organizations and programs such as the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Cardinal Safe Zone program, and NCC OUTreach — a student organization for the College’s LGBTQIA+ and ally community — join forces to foster LGBTQIA+ pride on campus. 

However, dedication to sustaining a safe, just and supportive campus environment happens all year long — with on-campus resources, events and workshops intended to strengthen the network of support for North Central students, faculty and staff who identify as LGBTQIA+.

Interested in learning more about the lived experiences of those who identify as LGBTQIA+ as well as the origins of Pride Month, from the pivotal Stonewall Uprising to how it is celebrated today? Staff at North Central’s Oesterle Library invite the campus community to explore books and resources that are part of the library’s collection. The library is open Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and you can visit online at https://library.noctrl.edu/.

“Oesterle Library is dedicated to celebrating our students’ and colleagues’ identities, lived experiences, and academic interests, showcasing our collections through displays in the building and online,” said Melissa Proulx, head of outreach and liaison services. “We celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and are committed to maintaining a diverse and responsive environment of access, creativity and learning.”

Pride month books