Southern Illinois University System
10/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/08/2024 16:07
SIU Carbondale to rename LGBTQ Resource Center to honor founder Paulette Curkin
During her time at SIU Carbondale, Paulette Curkin served as voluntary adviser for the Saluki Rainbow Network and helped found the LGTBQ Resource Center. (Photo provided)
October 08, 2024
by Kim Rendfeld
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois University Carbondale will rename its LGTBQ Resource Center as the Paulette Curkin Pride Resource Center at 2 p.m. today, Oct. 8, in honor of the SIU professional who helped found the center in 2007 and served as its inaugural coordinator.
The event, "Reclaimed: Celebrating the Center's History and Future," will take place in in Morris Library's Hall of Presidents and Chancellors. It will focus on the history of LGBTQ+ History Month, which SIU Carbondale is celebrating for the 20th year. The public is invited, and refreshments will be served. (Details to participate virtually will be posted on the center's Facebook page.) An open house of the Pride Center will follow.
Chancellor Austin Lane said renaming the center fits well with the university's Imagine 2030 strategic plan and its pillar of diversity, equity and inclusion.
"It is an honor to rename the center after a Saluki dedicated to the university and the LGBTQ+ community," Lane said. "I thank the LGTBQ+ Faculty and Staff Council, who worked together with SIU Carbondale leadership, to make this moment happen."
Curkin's connection to SIU goes back the 1970s, when she was a graduate student. She earned a master's degree in higher education from the university in 1980. Seven years later, she returned to SIU Carbondale to work in University Housing and later became a student development coordinator and served as voluntary adviser for the Saluki Rainbow Network. She retired in 2008 after 21 years of service.
Her honors include the 2002 Lindell W. Sturgis Memorial Public Service Award and the Administrative/Professional Staff Outstanding Service Award for 2005-2006.
The event is sponsored by SIU's LGBTQ Resource Center, the Student Multicultural Resource Center, the Special Collections Research Center and Golden Rainbows of Illinois South (GRIS).