ECU’s Dr. Jesse R. Peel LGBTQ Center crowdfunds a record $15K, raises goal to $20K
Confetti rains down in the Black Box Theater during a celebration for fundraising success of the Dr. Jesse R. Peel LGBTQ Center Feb. 24, 2021. (Photos by Cliff Hollis)
In its first crowdfunding campaign, the Dr. Jesse R. Peel LGBTQ Center at East Carolina University achieved its $15,000 goal weeks early and on Wednesday announced a new goal of $20,000.
The campaign began on Jan. 30 through ECU Fund It as part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the center. It’s the most successful crowdfunding campaign in the university’s history and ends March 15.
ECU first founded the LGBT Resource Office in 2011, and in 2019 the office became the Dr. Jesse R. Peel LGBTQ Center, which has grown to become the largest center of its kind in the UNC system. The center sees more than 7,000 student visits each academic year and serves as a resource, referral, educational and social location on campus.
“We are deeply gratified by the response to our first-ever crowdfunding campaign,” said Mark Rasdorf, senior associate director of the Dr. Jesse R. Peel LGBTQ Center. “We are encouraged that so many recognize the value and impact of our work, not only on campus but also the ways in which it enriches our community.”
In videos of support for the campaign, alumni and donors expressed what the center and its staff mean to them.
Alicia Arnold ’08, ’10 said, “Coming to understand my own sexuality during my time at ECU was an exciting but daunting experience. I’m so honored to contribute financially to this center that supports students and the community with resources and celebration for those experiencing similar circumstances.”
Eleanor Schmidt, who serves on the LGBT Advancement Council, and her husband, Peter Schmidt, vice dean of the Brody School of Medicine, made a $1,000 gift to the campaign.
“This amazing group of people works to implement positive change for everyone around them, and I definitely wanted to be part of that,” Eleanor Schmidt said. “The center serves as a shining example for schools in other regions.”
The center’s namesake, Dr. Jesse Peel, is a native of eastern North Carolina and has been involved with philanthropy at ECU since the 1980s. His significant gift allowed the center to expand and ensured that future generations of ECU students would find a safe, accepting and nurturing place to call home.
Will Banks, center, fires a confetti tube in the Black Box Theater.
Donations received during the crowdfunding campaign will support students and community engagement initiatives through the LGBTQ Priority Fund. The fund provides scholarships for students as well as professional development opportunities such as service learning and national LGBTQ conferences. The fund also provides low-cost Safe Zone Trainings for K-12 educators, administrators, counselors, school staff and parents. The center partners with the College of Education and Campus Recreation and Wellness to provide the training.
ECU Fund It is a crowdfunding initiative that uses 45-day campaigns to raise money beyond what the university provides, allowing divisions, colleges and schools, departments, and student organizations to complete special projects. Other crowdfunding campaigns with ECU Fund It include $10,000 for the College of Business’ completed MIS STEM Camp for Girls project and the Honors College’s current Edible Landscape Initiative.
Donate to the campaign at give.ecu.edu.
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