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Last summer, ������ at Ashtabula student Breanna “Bre” Cole met with English professor Abigail Bowers, Ph.D., about reigniting the campus’s LGBTQ+ club, KSUA Allies, a group that promotes and supports members of the LBGTQ+ community attending the Ashtabula Campus.  With Bowers serving as the club advisor, Cole took the lead in growing the club and hosting regular meetings and special events, highlighted by “The Gayme Event” afternoon of activities for all students this past spring.

For those efforts in growing the KSUA Allies club, Cole was recognized at the ������ Lavender Graduation ceremony on May 5, 2023 with the Out & Proud Student Leader Award. The award is given to “an LGBTQ+ identified student who exemplifies student leadership.”

“It’s been an amazing experience being part of this KSUA Allies group,” Cole said. “We would not have been able to build such an incredible group without the love and support from ������ Ashtabula faculty and staff. Receiving this award is incredible and not possible without such amazing people around me!”

She was nominated for – and presented with – the award by Morgan Woodin, coordinator for operations and events with the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) who worked as an admissions counselor on the Ashtabula Campus previously, and other members of the Enrollment Management and Student Services staff. 

“Bre’s enthusiasm in growing the KSUA Allies has been apparent since she joined,” Woodin said. “I’m proud to see this recognition in front of President Diacon, administrators and over 500 guests went to a regional campus student.  I’m even more proud that the student recognized was Bre.”

One of the nominators wrote thatshe was “always eager to grow the club and create a safe place for anyone who joined” through the pandemic by virtually remaining in touch with the members and serving as a liaison for students to receive resources when needed. Cole was also described as being incredibly kind and a fantastic, dedicated student. Another nominator shared that Cole is “someone to whom students turn for guidance” and that she never hides who she is and is unflagging in her support and dedication to the LGBTQ+ community.

Cole received her Associate of Arts degree at the Spring 2023 commencement ceremony in May and is on track to earn her bachelor’s degree in psychology this fall.

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