Students and staff of Montclair State posing for a picture at a parade.

Awards/Recipients

OUTstanding Student Ally of the Year Award
This award was established in 2010 and is presented to an outstanding matriculated undergraduate or graduate student who has made significant contributions to the LGBTQ and Montclair State University community within the past academic year.

  • 2018: Lauree Klein & Michelle Guzik
  • 2017: Jaimee Laurie
  • 2016: Damon Dixon
  • 2015: Jasmine Hoffman
  • 2014: Johanna Durazzi
  • 2013: Joshua Rubin
  • 2012: Michelle Postorino
  • 2011: Kenneth Svolto

OUTstanding Staff/Faculty Ally of the Year Award
This award was established in 2010 and is presented to an outstanding administrator, professional staff or faculty member who has made significant contributions to the LGBTQ and Montclair State University community within the past academic year.

  • 2018: Suzanne Pasquino., Program Associate for the Office for Social Justice and Diversity
  • 2017: Carissa Ruf, Program Assistant from Health Promotion
  • 2016: Emily Cordero, Coordinator of Greek Life
  • 2015: Julie Fleming, Assistant Director of Student Involvement
  • 2014: Dr. Esmilda Abreu, Director of Equity and Diversity
  • 2013: Dr. Danne Davis, Associate Professor, Early Childhood, Elementary, and Literacy Education
  • 2012: Fatima deCarvalho, Assistant Dean of Students/Director of CSI
  • 2011: Sue Pasquino, Program Assistant in Enrollment Management
  • 2010: Dr. Bryan Terry, Associate VP for Enrollment Management and Prof. Lisa Sargese, Adjunct in Religion

LGBTQ Trailblazer Award
This queer leadership award was established in 2013 and is presented to an outstanding LGBTQ-identified student, faculty or staff member at Montclair State University who, through their dedication, has left their mark on our campus and paved the way for others to follow.

  • 2018: Evan Weisberg
  • 2017: Sara Gonzalez
  • 2016: Kelsea Rowan
  • 2015: David Lennox
  • 2014: Rachel Dobkins
  • 2013: Francesca Scirocco

OUTstanding Student Organization of the Year Award
This award was established in 2014 and is presented to an outstanding student organization that has not only increased the visibility of LGBTQ people and issues but also advocated for change. Only student organizations, groups or clubs are eligible for this award and chosen by Peer Educators of the LGBTQ Center.

  • 2018: Justice for Education
  • 2017: Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc.
  • 2016: Theta Delta Sigma Society, Inc.
  • 2015: Alpha Chi Rho
  • 2014: Players

OUTstanding Campus Partner of the Year Award
This award was established in 2014 and is presented to an outstanding campus partner that has not only increased the visibility of LGBTQ people and issues but also advocated for change. Centers, academic departments, colleges, divisions, and other administrative/faculty-led groups are eligible for this award and chosen by Peer Educators of the LGBTQ Center.

  • 2018: The Center for Student Involvement
  • 2017: The University Health Center
  • 2016: The Office of Health Promotion
  • 2015: The Office of Residence Life
  • 2014: The Department of Campus Recreation

Peer Educator of the Year Award
This award was established in 2014 and is presented to an exemplary Peer Educator in the LGBTQ Center for their tireless endeavors that create a campus environment inclusive and supportive of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression through programming, education, advocacy and support. The recipient of this award embodies the mission and vision of the LGBTQ Center at Montclair State University. All Peer Educators of the Center are eligible and the recipient is chosen by the LGBTQ Center Coordinator.

  • 2018: The 2017 – 2018 Peer Educators of the LGBTQ Center
  • 2017: Jessica Mahmoud
  • 2016: Ashley Bain and Mia Henderson
  • 2015: CJ Malva
  • 2014: Carlos Flores

StandOUT Award
This award was established in 2014 and is presented to a member of our community for their perseverance and social justice advocacy within and beyond our campus community. Recipients of this award have a long history of activism and advocacy and are agents of change. Organizations, individuals and families are eligible for this award and the recipients are chosen by the Pride Awards Committee.

  • 2018: Karmyn Ramirez
  • 2017: Austin Greitz
  • 2016: Susan Graziano
  • 2015: Ebony Jackson
  • 2014: The Kilian-Meneghin Family: Cindy, Maureen, Joshua, and Sarah

A NOTE ON THE TERM “ALLY”

The LGBTQ Center recognizes that individuals who identify within the LGBTQ community can also be allies to the community. Eligibility for our Ally of the Year Awards is based on the candidate’s dedication and contribution to the LGBTQ and Montclair State University community not their sexual, affectional or gender identity.

Allies are individuals who, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity:

  1. Believe that it is in their self-interest to be an ally to LGBTQ individuals
  2. Are committed to developing an understanding of LGBTQ issues and work to be comfortable with their knowledge of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression
  3. Work to understand how patterns of oppression operate, are willing to identify oppressive acts, and challenge the oppressive behaviors of others to all oppressed groups
  4. Find ways to confront and combat homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, cissexism and heterosexism
  5. Choose to align with LGBTQ individuals and represent their needs — especially when they are unable to do so themselves
  6. Promote a sense of community with LGBTQ individuals and teach others about the importance of these communities
  7. Encourage others to advocate for the LGBTQ community

If you have any questions, please email lgbtq@montclair.edu.