University of Connecticut, Rainbow Center Records

Collection

Identifier: 2013-0153

Staff Only

Scope and Content note

The collection contains newspapers, brochures, pamphlets and binders of materials documenting programs and activities of the Rainbow Center.

Dates

Creation: 1998-2013

Access

The collection is open and available for research.

Restrictions on Use and Copyright Information

Permission to publish from these Papers must be obtained in writing from the owner(s) of the copyright.

History

After five years of planning, dreaming, and hard work the Rainbow Center opened in the UConn Student Union, in room 214, on 21 September 1998. The first director, Martha Nelson-Patrick, and administrative assistant, William Hickman, came from the Stonewall Center at UMass Amherst to run the Center with student workers. On 1 August 1999, the Rainbow Center moved from the (old) student union to Whitney House on Route 195, near Mirror Lake. Whitney House was formerly occupied by International House. On 1 August 2004, following the UConn 2000 renovation of the Student Union, the Rainbow Center moved to its current location on the 4th floor of the Student Union. It is the only cultural center on the 4th floor to have its originally planned rooms.

Numerous groups and individuals participated in crafting the mission and direction of the Rainbow Center. As part of the overall commitment to diversity and civility, the administration at the University of Connecticut has dedicated staff, office space, and resources to address the needs of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, and Allied members of the campus community. Additional information about the Rainbow Center and its programs can be found on its website.