Everything Nac

Stephen F. Austin State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs will host an event celebrating one of the most life-changing moments for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community as part of its National Coming Out Day celebration.

“National Coming Out Day is an annual awareness day to support members of the LGBTQ+ community who have publicly come out,” said Veronica Beavers, OMA director. “By supporting and encouraging those within the community to share their story, our hope is that others in the community will feel they are able to live their lives openly and safely.”

The come-and-go event will feature giveaways and snacks provided by the OMA. Members of SFA’s LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus also will be present with informational resources.

“Celebrating National Coming Out Day is important not only in upholding our mission to create a welcoming campus, but also so that our students within the LGBTQ+ community know they are supported and see that support in action,” Beavers added.

The national event began Oct. 11, 1988, exactly one year after half a million people participated in the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, according to the Human Rights Campaign website.

The National Coming Out Day celebration will be from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Plaza. The event is free, and the public is invited to attend.

For more information on OMA events, visit sfasu.edu/oma.

By Christine Broussard, marketing communications coordinator at Stephen F. Austin State University.

The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Sciences and Mathematics recognized Dr. Harry Downing, professor and former chair of the Department of Physics, Engineering and Astronomy, for the generous gift of support he made to the college in honor of his late wife.

The Harry and Carolyn Downing Physics Resource Commons and the Harry and Carolyn Downing Engineering Resource Commons were unveiled during a ceremony celebrating the legacy his support will leave for students in the college. The rooms offer students a workplace to use between and after classes, as well as lounging areas complete with refrigerator and microwave access. His gift will also be used to support scholarships for students in physics and engineering.

“For many years, spaces like this have proven very valuable academically to our students, and because of the proximity to the department’s faculty offices, more academic bonding has occurred between our students and faculty,” Downing said. “I am very thankful many of the upper administration and the Board of Regents attended the dedication, and I was touched by their presence and words.”

Dr. Scott Gordon, SFA president; David Alders, SFA regent from Nacogdoches; and Dr. Kimberly Childs, dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics, spoke at the ceremony.

“Together, Harry and Carolyn have made a tremendous impact on the lives of our students through their generosity,” Childs said. “By naming the Harry and Carolyn Downing PRC and the Harry and Carolyn Downing ERC, it provides our students with a memorable space for them to gather together, study and enjoy.”

Visit sfasu.edu/physics to learn more about the Department of Physics, Engineering and Astronomy.

By Joanna Armstrong, marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University