For alumnus and trustee Jack Dembow ’77, one of the most meaningful aspects of his IC student experience was the inclusive community that embraced him as a gay man. “I can still recall the anxiety I felt when I arrived on campus in the fall of 1973, not knowing a soul and wondering how, or if, I would fit in,” Jack shares. “In short order, I found my place, made new friends, and eventually I did find some ‘people like me’—all of which contributed to a wonderful IC experience.”
Today, Jack regularly makes gifts in support of IC’s Center for LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services. “The LGBT resource center can act as a welcoming ‘connector’ or conduit to a healthy college experience—particularly for students who may be struggling with their identities and wondering if, and where, they fit in,” Jack says.
The center fosters the academic success and personal growth of LGBTQ students and offers services to enhance the campus community’s understanding and appreciation of LGBTQ people and themes. “My support, and the support of others, is essential for the continued development and continuation of programming, which supports all IC students—not just those who identify as LGBTQ— and their allies. The more I can do to help defray these expenses, the more programming the center can offer.”