The Tompkins County Human Rights Commission honored the Ithaca College coordinator of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender education, outreach and services last week at the commission’s 21st annual awards dinner.

Lisa Maurer, who has worked in the college’s LGBT resource center part time since it was founded last October, joined Erica Tracy Keegan, the chair of the Student Assembly Women’s Committee at Cornell University, in receiving the Sandy Pollack Award Nov. 14 for their work advocating civil and human rights for the LGBT community. The award was created to recognize work within the LGBT community.

Co-worker and friend Sarah Jefferis, assistant professor of writing, said Maurer’s work on campus has been key in creating a better community for LGBT students and staff at the college.

“Lisa’s work here is amazing,” Jefferis said. “She’s passionate, she’s dedicated, she believes in the center and the students. She constantly gives her time above and beyond what is called for.”

Jefferis said she often refers students to Maurer and the center for useful resources.

“I’m an out lesbian professor who finds it critical to create a safe place for her students,” Jefferis said. “I am very thankful that we have a center, and I see all of the work that needs to be done.”

A member of the National Consortium of Directors of LGBT Issues in Higher Education, Maurer has worked as a sexuality educator for most of her adult life. She has undergraduate degrees in psychology and philosophy, and a master’s degree in health promotion and administration from the University of Delaware.

The harassment Maurer faced while in college has developed into a passion for educating students, she said. An unresponsive residence staff and an abusive roommate nearly caused her to drop out of school — until a residence staff member at the college helped her cope.

“I finally found that one person, and I remember her to this day, who could make a difference,” Maurer said. “I’m in this job because I never want anyone to go through that, ever.”

BIGAYLA secretary Maureen Sullivan, who is a volunteer at the LGBT Center, said Maurer’s constant support makes her deserving of the award.

“It really shows how important this work is that she’s doing, and even if it is only in a part-time position right now, she’s actually making a difference,” Sullivan said. “I’m really glad she got this award because it recognizes that importance.”

Last year, the resource center recorded approximately 1,000 visitors, Maurer said. This semester, there have been more than 900.

Maurer is responsible for training and coordinating the 18 student volunteers who staff the center, which is located in the basement of the Health Center.

Maurer said last week’s honor and her work at Ithaca College are very rewarding.

“It’s a way that I can give back to other people, share my experiences, my knowledge and my expertise, and I just love it. I absolutely love it.”