Queer Resource Center
History
The Queer Resource Center was formed by students of the LBGTASU (lesbian, bi, gay, trans, and ally student union). The LBGTASU officers had a very low rate of successful graduation due to their personal burnout. They were exhausted from years of doing advocacy for their fellow students. They felt that it was vital that a professional be hired to do education and advocacy to effect lasting change at Southern Oregon University. Members of the Administration opposed and lobbied against forming the QRC. LBGTASU officers were voted in by the students of SOU as senators to the student government. They lobbied the ASSOU Senate and Executive Cabinet members to create the Queer Resource Center. The QRC budget was authorized by the ASSOU and the Student Fee Committee during the process for the academic year 2002-2003.
The first QRC Director, Lori Warfield, was hired in February 2003. Lori remained the Director from February 2003 to February 2005. During this two year period, Lori primarily worked educating the campus community in hopes of promoting a safer campus climate for LBGTQ students. Lori timed her resignation to allow plenty of time to hire a new Director before the end of the school year. Danielle Mancuso was kept in the position of Interim Coordinator until June 2005. Pam Ogren served as the Interim Coordinator until the beginning of Fall term 2005. September 19, 2005 was the start date for janelle wilson, our current QRC Coordinator.
