Message from the Executive Director

Brian Buford, Executive Director 

Dear friends of the LGBT Center—

I’m writing to share some news with you about my role at the LGBT Center and some exciting changes ahead.  After eleven wonderful years as assistant provost and executive director, I’ll be leaving the center at the end of this semester to start a new position in Human Resources. Leading the center has been the greatest experience of my lifetime, especially working with such a talented and visionary team and meeting so many incredible students and community members over the years.  And seeing my beloved university become one of the country’s most LGBT-welcoming campuses has given me more pride than I can ever describe.  We have all done this great work together and we all share in the reward of knowing we are making the world better for our LGBTQ youth.

Here at the center, we are still working on the details of our transition plan but rest assured that all the programs and services the center provides will continue seamlessly.  Lisa Gunterman and Stacie Steinbock will continue leading the teams on the Belknap and Health Sciences campuses while we determine the structure and staffing needs of the center moving forward.  Truly, moments like this one are opportunities to make sure we are directing our resources to the areas of greatest need and that we are meeting our students where they are.

I hope you will celebrate with me in November at Pride at the Museum, our signature fundraising event to support the LGBT Center!  It will be my last official day as executive director and a chance for me to say thank you for the incredible love and support you’ve shown me over the years.  I will be emailing you very soon to let you know that tickets are on sale, but for now please hold November 9 on your calendars and make sure you attend this inaugural event.

I hope to have the chance to thank each of you personally for the role you’ve played in our success, and to tell you how much you have meant to me. Whether you are a member of the campus community, an alum, a community friend, or a donor, I am deeply grateful to you.