Our History

In January 2011, the UW-Green Bay Pride Center was established by the founding members: Christine Smith, Joanie Dovekas, Debra Rezac, Steve Zywicki, Stacie Christian and the four original interns: Jack Melberg, Rory Cowart, Miranda Seitz and Kit Wise

The "LGBTQA Resource Center" name changed in 2014 to the "Pride Center". Students were asking for a safe space which provides resources, education and a safe place to learn more about their LGBTQIA2S+ identities, and two sections of what was formerly a closet converted to two small offices were established as the new location.

The Pride Center was two small rooms which consisted of an office and a small social room. This space was open for 20 hours per week. Eventually, the Pride Center expanded to additional campus locations with a Pride Center open at each for 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday. UW-Green Bay, Marinette Campus was founded in February 2017. In September 2021, UW-Green Bay added three additional Pride Center locations at UW-Green Bay, Manitowoc Campus and Sheboygan Campus. An Ally Lounge at the Kress Center, specifically serving the UW-Green Bay student athletes on the Green Bay campus was also added.

The Pride Center on the Green Bay campus has grown to include three rooms: an office, small quiet room and larger space to socialize. All five Pride Center locations are led by full-time Pride Center Coordinator: Nicole Kurth and staffed by 14 student interns. The Pride Center continues to grow and offering programming and outreach opportunities to both our campus and local communities.

Mai J. Lo Lee started the first Lavender Graduation at UW-Green Bay in April of 2011 to recognize LGBTQIA2S+ students and allies who are graduating. Over the years, the annual event has grown and is now known as the Lavender Graduation and Leadership Awards. In addition to recognizing the graduates, we also share the accomplishments of the Pride Center and highlight individual contributions and achievements to the LGBTQIA2S+ community with recognition of individuals in five categories: Student of the Year, Staff of the Year, Faculty of the Year, Pride Center Intern of the Year and Community Member of the Year.

Mission Statement

The mission of the UW-Green Bay Pride Centers are to identify and respond to the concerns and needs of LGBTQIA2S+ students, faculty, staff, community members and their allies; to provide high-quality support services that contribute to the academic and personal growth of LGBTQIA2S+ students, faculty, staff, community members and allies; and to offer a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for LGBTQIA2S+ people and their allies.