A new alumni club that will engage and connect with LGBTQ+ alumni and allies was approved by the Fresno State Alumni Association board this week. Its first public event is set for 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28 at the Smittcamp Alumni House, with a short program beginning at 6:30 pm.

The Rainbow Alumni and Allies Club will provide its members a welcoming environment, support campus advocacy and initiatives and give back to the Fresno State Alumni Association and the University, said Peter Robertson, who is serving as the interim president until elections are held later in the semester.

Robertson, who has earned three degrees at Fresno State (bachelor’s 1992, master’s 1995 and MBA 2005) and is employed by the alumni association, said research has shown that disenfranchised and marginalized students and alumni – including members of the LGBTQ+ community – will often connect with each other outside of their academic disciplines.

“Our hope is to positively fill this missing gap for Fresno State where and how it’s needed most,” Robertson said.

Also selected as interim officers for the newly-established club are Melissa Knight (1992), vice president; Matthew Mazzei (2010, 2014), treasurer; and Julia Woli Scott (2011, 2014), secretary. Applications for those permanent officer positions are now being accepted, as well as for undergraduate student representative and graduate student representative.

Participation in the club is free and open to all alumni and friends of Fresno State. Committees are also being formed for advocacy, campus and student liaisons, community liaisons, events, historians, outreach and promotions and scholarships.

Admission to the event is free, with appetizers provided and no-host beverages available. Parking permits are required at $3 per vehicle. RSVP online at bit.ly/RainbowClub.

Donations for the new club are also being accepted at rainbow donation.

For more information, contact Robertson at 559.278.4669 or probertson@csufresno.edu.

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