This is the first installment of a continuing series in which The Badger Herald will profile different student groups that impact the University of Wisconsin campus.
The new Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Campus Center director is ready to spread the club’s mission on campus, as the organization gains visibility and prestige in the university.
Eric Trekell was recently named the new director of the LGBTCC, located in the Memorial Union.
Trekell earned a master’s degree in education administration at Texas A & M University and has worked for different university systems, advising students for years at both A & M and Adams State College in Colorado.
When Trekell earned his master’s, he hoped to someday create a center for students like the LGBTCC.
“I absolutely [had something like this in mind],” Trekell said. “But my background is not with LGBT issues.” Trekell said he has advised first-generation college students as well as international students, fraternities and sororities.
Now that Trekell is a part of LGBTCC, he said he does not necessarily want to make the center’s presence more evident, but he does want to publicize the center’s purpose.
“I think it is important for others to know I am here as a student-affairs person, not as another administrator,” Trekell said. “I am interested in activities that go on in this university.”
Trekell said his personal goal is to visit various student groups and organizations to make the LGBTCC’s mission known.
In response to the question of why there would be a void if there were no LGBT campus center, he said the LGBTCC is not on campus for political reasons.
“What does any student need in terms of a resource?” he said. “The center is a resource center, and what that means is up for a whole lot of interpretation.”
Trekell went on to say the campus center is a place where students can feel settled.
“Why do students have an interest in fraternities and sororities? The concept is to build a sense of community,” he said. “Same thing with the Hoofers — you have students who are looking for people with similar interests, a group that students can get comfortable with.”
Trekell went on to say that he is not a flashy guy, but a student advocate. He said there are other people involved with the campus center wishing to be more involved.
“Just as in any group, there is a group that is more activist,” Trekell explained. “There’s an activist wing, and there is a less activist wing. And when I say activist, I don’t mean more radical.”
The LGBTCC is the most recent addition to the recently reorganized offices at the Dean of Students office. The center has been around for more than 10 years but was added to the Dean of Students office last spring. According to Dean of Students Luoluo Hong, this new proximity will allow the center to offer even more services.
Trekell believes the center’s relocation and expanded services will give the center more fluidity and a clear long-term plan. LGBTCC is a registered student organization and also receives funds from students’ segregated fees.
