Message from the Chair Jack Bergen ‘77
It’s hard to imagine that it’s going on two years since I became Chair of GALA. In that time, I’ve met a lot of great fellow alums/friends of GALA and exchanged many emails with others. Also during this time, I feel a lot closer to ND as a result of the common interest and enthusiasm expressed by many of you.
As shown below, officer elections are coming around once again. I am hoping that this enthusiasm carries over into some of you considering and applying for any of the officer and volunteer positions. Playing a more active role does require some time, but as anyone of the existing officers/board members will tell you, the rewards far outweigh the investment of time and energy. Be part of the next generation of contributions that GALA can make to the LGBT community at Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s!
Los Angeles LGBT Student Scholarship Benefit – Sunday June 26th
GALA will be holding our second LGBT Student Scholarship Benefit on June 26th. The event will hosted by Cody Lassen ’09 MBA and take place at his beautiful home in Malibu. Come to LA for the weekend and join fellow alums and friends for an afternoon of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and to raise money for this cause.
Special guests will include West Hollywood Mayor Lindsey P. Horvath, ’04 who directed The Vagina Monologues while a student and Bryan Ricketts ’16, openly out ND Student Body President and former President of PismND, the LGBT student group.
To register and for more information, go to: LGBT Student Scholarship Benefit.
Officer Elections & Volunteer Roles – GALA Needs Your Help!
GALA-ND/SMC will be holding elections for the 2016-2017 GALA Officers, and we want you to apply! There are five positions available (Chair, Vice Chair for Programs, Vice Chair for Membership, Secretary, and Treasurer) and descriptions of the duties of each can be found on the GALA website under GALA-ND/SMC Constitution. Being an officer of GALA-ND/SMC is an opportunity to directly support the LGBT alumni and students of Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s College and to place your mark on this organization.
Elections will be held over the next few months, and new officers will begin their 2-year term in April 2016. If you are interested in becoming an officer of GALA, please submit a short biography and statement of intent to secretary@galandsmc.org by April 1st. Thank you!
In addition to these elected position, two non-elected volunteer roles are also available (Fundraising Committee Chair and Web Support Guru). Given the recent emphasis on expanded fundraising and improving our web presence, both of these roles are critical to helping the group achieve our goals. Specific responsibilities can be found at GALA Volunteer Roles. If interested, send an email to jack.bergen@yahoo.com.
Alumni Reunion Weekend at Both ND and SMC – June 2nd-5th 2016
Come reminisce with old friends and make some new ones back in South Bend. Once again, GALA will be hosting a panel-style seminar on each campus featuring alums and others sharing stories of LGBT life on campus. If you are interested in participating on the panel please contact Justine Ray at: justray@bgsu.edu.
Notre Dame Day – April 24th and 25th
Once again Notre Dame will be holding a 24 hour celebration in April call Notre Dame Day. Last year, many GALA members helped contribute to PrismND, the official LGBTQ student organization, by everyone donating just $10! Let’s try to outdo ourselves this year! Keep an eye out for the communication from ND and look for our postings on Facebook for the link to contribute.