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Beal, Freeman, Peeler, Velázquez elected to national LGBTQ higher ed consortium

June 20, 2023

This spring, four University of Michigan Spectrum Center staff were elected to serve important roles within the Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals. Jesse Beal, Angie Freeman, Lorant Peeler, and Des Velázquez will be officially seated this July, marking the first time four successful candidates have come from the same institution.

Support LGBTQIA2S+ students this Giving Blueday

February 25, 2023

Giving Blueday is the University of Michigan’s annual day of giving—where friends, alumni, and colleagues around the world support what they love most about U-M. Giving to the Spectrum Center this Giving Blueday, March 15, sustains and builds on our commitment to new leadership opportunities for U-M students and to provide funding for the programming that matters to them. 

Jesse Beal named as Spectrum Center's director

January 2, 2023

Following a competitive national search, Jesse Beal has been chosen to lead the University of Michigan's Spectrum Center as its director. Beal, formerly the associate director of the center, had served as interim director following the promotion of Will Sherry to be Student Life's director of strategic initiatives. Their role was made permanent on December 1, 2022.

Jim Toy Celebration of Liberation

You’re invited to join the Spectrum Center for the Jim Toy Celebration of Liberation, happening Friday, May 20 at 7:00 p.m. at the Michigan Theater. This event is an opportunity for community and friends to come together to honor Jim Toy, who passed away on New Year’s Day. Jim was co-founder of the Spectrum Center, and his legacy has been felt deeply across campus.

Jim Toy, one of Spectrum Center's founders, dies at 91

January 3, 2022

Spectrum Center co-founder and U-M alumnus Jim Toy, MSW ‘81, passed away over the weekend at the age of 91. Toy was known as an outspoken activist and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and worked to establish the Human Sexuality Office in 1971, which later became the Spectrum Center.