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Margaret M. "Margie" Cook Director Margie has been involved in advocating for LGBT resources on the NIU campus since 1992, and her job has included LGBT duties since 1997, including becoming the Director of the Resource Center when it opened in 2003. She has also worked as a Diversity Trainer for NIU employees, worked with faculty on Multicultural Curriculum Transformation, and was the Program Coordinator for the Women’s Studies Program. Margie first came to NIU as an undergraduate student, lived in Douglas Hall, and graduated with a double major in English and Journalism. In 1988, as a naïve young college graduate who had no idea of and no preparation for what she was getting herself into, she joined the Peace Corps and went halfway around the world to a country she knew nothing about, where they spoke a language she had never heard. Thus began her passion for diversity education. She came out -- to herself and gradually to others -- while she earned her Master's Degree in Education. Her all-time favorite bumper sticker says: "Queer: bold or daring, brave, original, unrestrained by existing ideas or conventions, uninhibited." |
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Patricia Liberty-Baczek Resource Center Administrative Assistant Patricia has been working for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center since 2005 and NIU since 1998. She states: "I am proud to serve the NIU LGBT community. I have been an Ally since 1999. For me, being an Ally means speaking up when I encounter prejudice. I make time to turn an encounter into an opportunity to educate those whose view of the world is less accepting than mine. I cannot imagine life any other way." |
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Elijah Itah Graduate Assistant Elijah is a Graduate assistant in the LGBT resource center and is earning his Master's in Counseling in the College of Education with the goal of becoming a career counselor. He has a B.A. in Biology from Reed College in Portland, Oregon. While at Reed, Elijah was heavily involved in student affairs, including work as a Peer Mentor, Community Advisor, and at the Multicultural Resource Center. He first came out to close friends upon entering college, but came out to the campus at large when he was 20 by attending the Queer Student group on campus. Elijah is an unabashed dork, and takes great pains to indulge in all things geeky. |
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Philip Engleking Information Technology Specialist Philip is a Senior Applied Sociology major with a minor in Philosophy and certificate in LGBT Studies. He has been involved with Prism several semesters while at NIU, holding the offices of Office Manager and Co-President. He started coming out to friends when he entered college at age 20. He currently works for the Resource Center providing technology support, web site development/maintenance, and publicity material design. |
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Megan Armstrong Student Assistant Megan is a Senior Health Ed. Major and is completing her LGBT studies certificate next semester. She worked in the resource center her freshman year and just recently rejoined the team as a student assistant, working in a clerical position to help out the resource center. Coming out at the age of 15 to close friends and her mom, she now prides herself on educating others about the LGBT community, whether that be through working at the resource center, being involved in the speakers bureau on campus, or just being open and honest everyday. She says, "If you ever have a question please feel free to ask and I will gladly share my opinion with you." |
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Mack H. Lewis II Student Assistant Mack is a sophomore Applied Sociology major, a Women's Studies minor, and seeking a certificate in LGBT Studies. He has been actively involved with the Straight Talk Speakers Bureau and Prism, previously holding the position of Events Coordinator. He came out his freshman year in college. He enjoys anything LGBT-related and all things nature. Mack has the hunger to advocate for young people and hopes to empower youth to be a voice. His willingness and broad understanding of the issues that affect today's LGBTQ youth are vital and believes they have the potential to change the world. He says, "I believe that I AM the change I wish to see in the world." |
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Molly Holmes Canon Fellow Molly joins the Resource Center team as a Canon Fellow. Since working at NIU, Molly has worked with the Quest Leadership Program and contributes to other projects. She is driven to help others within and outside of the LGBT community make meaningful connections. After coming out in college, her LGBT work began in 2003 when she advised the LGBT student group as a graduate student at Western Illinois University. In her final year, she redeveloped and coordinated the Safe Space Ally program. While in her first professional position at Indiana University-Bloomington, she was fortunate to be involved in planning the National Day of Silence, working on the GLBT Anti-Harassment Incidents Team, and developing facility and policy changes for transgender students living in the residence halls. When not working at the LGBT RC, Molly is a Complex Coordinator in Residential Life. |
