“We got pride, yes we do. We got pride, how about you?” sang the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville delegation as they marched on Saturday, June 23 in PrideFest 2018, PrideSTL’s annual parade in support of the LGBT community and its causes.
More than 20 SIUE faculty, staff, students and supporters participated in the two-day festival, Friday-Saturday, June 23-24, funded and supported by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Students Affairs. Heading up the delegation was Shelley Price-Williams, PhD, coordinator in the School of Business’s Office of Student Services and Transitions, and SIUE Safe Zone co-chair.
Also participating in the two-day celebration were Mary Sue Love, PhD, associate professor in the School’s Department of Management and Marketing, and SIUE Safe Zone co-chair; Rex Lee Jackson, M.Ed, associate director for Residence Life, and past co-chair of SIUE Safe Zone; and Lydia Durr, president of SIUE’s Gay Straight Alliance. SIUE has been participating in PrideFest since 2013.
“Thousands of people lined Market Street in downtown St. Louis for the parade,” said Price-Williams. “It was a great time. Our group was happy and energetic. Everyone at the parade enjoyed a time of fun, excitement and pride.”
According to news reports, more than 300,000 people showed up for the 39th annual PrideFest, with the theme of Remember. Rise. Respect.
“The response from current students and alums, as well as prospective students, was a wonderful thing to see at PrideFest,” said Love. “As we walked in the parade, the crowd would often erupt in applause, and many would shout out, ‘I am an alum. I am a student. I am coming there in the fall!’”
“SIUE also manned a booth for both days of the festival,” added Price-Williams. “We were the only university or college represented. People were overwhelmingly happy to see us. We gave out information on enrollment and SIUE. We also gave away more than 500 promotional items.”
“Our presence allows us to connect with potential students looking for an institution that will support them, and those they care about within the LGBTQIA community,” said Jackson. “This also allows SIUE to show that we as an institution are living the values we want our students to live by being visible at PrideFest.”
Photo: SIUE faculty, staff, students and supporters participated in the two-day festival, Friday-Saturday, June 23-24, funded and supported by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Students Affairs.