January 19, 2011
Thank you to our friends and partners who've wished us well as Spectrum Center turns 40.
Human Rights Campaign
On behalf of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), it is my honor to congratulate the Spectrum Center on the University of Michigan campus, for your forty years of service to the LGBT community.
In 1971 when the Spectrum Center first came into existence, many LGBT people faced hardships and
discrimination on a daily basis, and had no resources to turn to for advice, comfort and support. And while the fight against discrimination continues on today, members of the LGBT community have become empowered advocates for themselves and their families, thanks to amazing resources like the Spectrum Center.I am thrilled to offer my most heartfelt congratulations on this truly auspicious occasion.
Warm regards,
Joe Solmonese
President
American Civil Liberties Union
“I’m honored to congratulate the Spectrum Center on its 40th anniversary of working in support of the LGBT community at the University of Michigan. The advancement of LGBT rights and social acceptance since the 1970s has been tremendous – and your tireless work has been a driving force behind that progress.”
Anthony D. Romero
Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union
Lambda Legal
"In 1971, there were no classes about gay and lesbian liberation, “queer theory” was still years away and it was a great act of courage to come out at school, at work or simply to oneself. In this context, the opening of the Human Sexuality Office at the University of Michigan that year was a remarkable act of vision and leadership. Now in its fortieth year, the Spectrum Center offers a safe space for LGBT students and allies to be themselves and to learn from and support one another. Lambda Legal and others have won important legal victories protecting students and teachers, yet LGBT youth still face discrimination and obstacles that are painful and sometimes lead to emotional harm and even suicide. We need to support and empower LGBT youth and allies, and that is why the Spectrum Center is so important. Forty years of being there for the LGBT community at the University of Michigan is a milestone worth celebrating – happy anniversary!"
-Kevin M. Cathcart
Executive Director
Lambda Legal
Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund
“The Spectrum Center was an early and important institution in the formation and growth of the LGBT community in America. For four decades the Center has served to strengthen individuals and build the dignity of a community whose future now seems boundless. The Victory Fund honors and thanks the many people who have contributed to your success, and I wish you all the best on this happy anniversary.”
-Chuck Wolfe
President and CEO
Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund
National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
On behalf of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) business community, we would like to congratulate the Spectrum Center at the University of Michigan on its 40th year!
After starting from humble beginnings in 1971 as the “Human Sexuality Office,” the Spectrum Center has grown into a respected and powerful resource not only for LGBT students, but also for the entire community. As the first organization for LGBT individuals at a university, the Spectrum Center has paved the way for LGBT advocacy among universities and colleges across the United States for four decades.
Through your outreach, mentoring and volunteer opportunities, LGBT community members can get involved to help drive the dreams of LGBT youth. The NGLCC represents the interests of more than 1.4 million LGBT-owned businesses in the United States—and that number grows every day. The efforts of institutions like the Spectrum Center are part of the reason that graduates of University of Michigan and young LGBT entrepreneurs nationwide are entering a business world far more accepting than it has been in the past.
At a time when the U.S. economy seems to be in flux, the Spectrum Center is a model for other campuses big and small on the value of embracing inclusion. We must continue to invest in the diverse potential of our young people, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity. Just a few weeks ago, the NGLCC convened our first Young Entrepreneurs and Professionals Council, which welcomes the talents and contributions of dozens of young LGBT entrepreneurs and business owners.
We extend heartfelt congratulations on this extraordinary accomplishment! We look forward to 40 more years of continued success at the Spectrum Center!
Warm regards,
Justin G. Nelson
Co-Founder and President
Chance Mitchell
Co-Founder and CEO
ACLU of Michigan
"The ACLU of Michigan congratulates the Spectrum Center on its 40th Anniversary celebration. We are so proud of the work of the center on behalf of LGTBQA students at the University of Michigan and your efforts to create a truly inclusive community. Thank you for all that you do."
-Kary L. Moss
Executive Director
ACLU of Michigan
Thank you for your support
- Division of Student Life
- Office of the Provost
- Comprehensive Studies Program
- Division of Student Life Technology Services
- Ginsberg Center for Community Service and Learning
- Institute for Research on Women and Gender
- Law School
- Michigan Community Scholars Program
- Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs/Trotter Multicultural Center
- Neutral Zone – Ann Arbor Teen Center
- Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives
- Office of University Development
- Office of New Student Programs
- The Program on Intergroup Relations
- Recreational Sports
- School of Education
- College of Engineering
- School of Public Health
- School of Public Policy
- School of Social Work
- Spectrum of Faiths
- University Health Service
- University Housing
- University of Michigan Museum of Art
- University Musical Society
- University Unions Arts and Programs