With its inception in 1971, the University of Michigan Spectrum Center became the first center for the lesbian and gay community on a college campus. The Center originally focused on fighting stereotypes of gay people, homophobic prejudice, and invalidating the mental illness model of homosexuality. With sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as our framework, the Spectrum Center is committed to enriching the campus experience and developing students as individuals and as members of communities. Our work is accomplished through a student-centered, intersectional lens.
The Spectrum Center envisions an inclusive campus community free of discrimination in all forms where social justice inspires community engagement and equality. At the University of Michigan, we pride ourselves in providing a diverse community for our students to live, learn, and thrive in. For nearly 50 years, the Spectrum Center has continuously grown and made great strides toward developing an informed student body focused on education outreach, advocacy, and support. With growth and sustainability in mind we are looking for partners who can help the Spectrum Center assist the LGBTQ+ community and provide the best education and support for Michigan students.
Opportunities
LGBTQ+ Leadership Scholarship
With sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression as our framework, the Spectrum Center is committed to enriching the campus experience and developing students as individuals and as members of communities.
- Scholarships create educational opportunity for students who are leading in LGBTQ+ advocacy work across campus.
- Student advocacy projects and initiatives are funded through enrichment grants awarded by the Center. These grants offer students the opportunity to change policy on campus, while also developing personal and professional skills that they can then take back to their communities after graduation.
Programming
An endowment of $50,000 - $250,000 will allow the University to:
- Provide a number of direct services to students around health & wellness, crisis response and support, mentorship, and leadership opportunities, as well as social and support groups.
- Fund student advocacy projects and initiatives through Spectrum Center enrichment grants. These grants offer students the opportunity to change policy on campus, while developing personal and professional skills that they can then take back to their communities after graduation.
Learn more about Spectrum Center!
Student Life is committed to student learning and the development of the whole student. We facilitate transformation and enrich education through new opportunities for learning and development; fostering an environment for the success of all community members; developing a deeper understanding of ourselves and others on an inclusive campus; enabling students to practice positive physical, emotional, social, intellectual, mental, and spiritual health; preparing students to succeed during and after their university experience; resolving complex issues through advocacy, services, and compliance; and providing programs and facilities for the physical, social, psychological, academic, and recreational needs of the campus community.
To do all this, and much more, Student Life needs your support—every gift matters.
Your Contribution
Your gifts of cash, pledges, or appreciated securities will enhance the experience of all University of Michigan students. Wills, estate, and planned gifts allow you to create a lasting legacy that will allow our students to grow and thrive for generations to come. Thank you for giving to the University of Michigan.
Planned Gifts
Legacy gifts from generous alumni and friends provide the future support needed to achieve the University’s long-term commitment to excellence. A bequest is the easiest and most tangible way to accomplish this. If you have already included Student Life in your estate plans, but have not previously notified us, please let us know. We would like to properly thank you for your support, ensure your wishes are met, and plan with you for the future.
To learn more about these opportunities to support Student Life, please contact Student Life Development at 734-647-7309 or email studentlifegiving@umich.edu.