A Point of Pride: Hofstra University is 1 of Only 2 Schools to Host Consecutive Presidential Debates (2008, 2012)

As many members of our community are aware, Hofstra was given the rare opportunity to host not only one, but two presidential debates, consecutively! On October 15th, 2008 Hofstra hosted their first Presidential debate between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain. The debate focused on domestic policy and the economy. The second Presidential debate hosted by Hofstra was the following debate on October 16th, 2012 was between President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney. This debate like the first at Hofstra primarily focused on domestic policy, but also touched on foreign affairs. 

I bring up these debates now because Hofstra has in fact applied to host what would be their third consecutive Presidential debate in 2016! While the debate would be quite a while from now, it is quite exciting to know that Hofstra could be one of the ONLY universities to host three consecutive presidential debates! As a student here on Hofstra’s campus I put my name into the lottery to hopefully be chosen as a lucky ticket holder, however I was not one of the lucky random winners. Myself, and I am sure many other hopeful Hofstra students, are hoping for the 2016 debate to be on our campus and for more students to be chosen to attend as a guest! When I applied to be in attendance for the 2012 debate, I believe only 100 students were chosen at random to attend the debate. However, this event typically does provide students with at least one great opportunity. Students are allowed to volunteer to help out with necessary preparations for the day. This gives students a behind the scenes look at what it takes to host such a major national event and also provides some volunteer experience that can be put on a resume.

Written by Stephanie Iaccarino

LGBTQIA Heritage Month Reception

In honor of LGBTQIA Heritage Month, the Multicultural and International Student Programs Office put on a reception in collaboration with the Pride Network and the LGBTQIA heritage month committee, consisting of students, faculty and staff. 
Jose Rivera, a member of The Pride Network and a senior Spanish and Latin american and Caribbean Studies major, acted as our M.C. and welcomed students, faculty and staff from across the university who came to support the LGBTQIA community. 

Sigma' Cappella, an on campus Acapella group, opened the reception with a few songs, including a beautiful and inspiring rendition of "Love is a 2 way street." The Pride Network followed shortly after with an LGBTQIA trivia that provided the audience with important dates in LGBTQIA history.

Our featured keynote speaker was Micah Jesse, 2009 Hofstra alumnus and Entertainment/Pop Culture Expert. Sharing his key to  success, he encouraged students to expand their network while studying at Hofstra as many of his current  colleagues are former Hofstra students. He also reminded students that "Your network is your networth."

Micah shared his inspiring story of being  discriminated against for who he was in his hometown in Georgia. He later moved to Hofstra where he felt accepted and embraced for who he was. When Micah saw Hofstra's sign "Gay? Fine by Hofstra" he knew it was safe to come out and truly be himself. He encouraged other LGBTQIA students to get involved on campus as well others to serve as allies to support individuals who identify as being part of the LGBTQIA community.  Today, Micah is involved in the WWE Anti-bullying campaign to teach young people that respect and acceptance of difference is not only cool but a key part of a civil society.

Thank you Micah for inspiring us to '"find our passion and we will be successful!" 

Micah Jesse with members of The Pride Network

Be sure to check out other events happening during LGBTQIA heritage month, including one of Hofstra's traditions the Pride Network's Drag Show happening this upcoming Wednesday, October 22, 8-11 p.m. in the Student Center Theater.

Progress towards Equality at Hofstra and in the U.S.

As the new Fall semester looms closer, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ) affairs have been in the news a lot  with the recent strike down of a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and many US states legalizing marriage equality.  At first glance, it may seem that it has never been easier to be gay in the U.S.; while in some sense this may be true it is also true that LGBTQ individuals continue to face subtle and overt barriers. If you or someone you know is LGBTQ, you may already be familiar with the challenges such as discrimination, stigmatization, bullying, and other forms of oppression.

The Division of Student Affairs’ mission at Hofstra is to create an egalitarian and welcoming campus for all cultural groups, including LGBTQ individuals. We hope to encourage the student body to appreciate and understand the differences between groups of people while also promoting the equal consideration and advocacy for human rights, which we are all entitled to as human beings. Hofstra provides opportunities for students to learn about what is important about being LGBTQ and creates programming to ensure that students who identify as LGBTQ will have the support they need when faced with these potential barriers.

NYC Pride Parade 2013

The Pride Network is a student-run organization that meets weekly to provide a common, safe social environment to LGBTQ individuals. Their Gay Straight Alliance brings together allies and LGBTQ students to collaborate on supporting various social advocacy initiatives and educational and social events that the Pride Network plans and sponsors.

The Multicultural & International Student Programs Office (MISPO) works closely with the Pride Network as the official office of the Division of Student Affairs responsible for LGBTQ (and other multicultural) programming. Upcoming events in the Fall included in the LGBTQ Heritage Month in October include LGBTQ Diversity, Dialogue, and Desserts, LGBTQ Reception, a Support Workshop on Coming Out, and more. For updates and event information, follow MISPO on Facebook.

Stop by MISPO, Student Center 242, to pick up complimentary luggage tags

For a student interested in learning more about LGBTQ issues, Hofstra’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences has created an LGBT Studies Program. According to the director of the program, David Powell: “LGBT Studies focus on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, their history and culture, considering sexualities and genders as identities, social statuses, categories of knowledge, and as lenses that help us to frame how we understand our world.” Students can make LGBTQ studies their academic minor if they wish, which can be an ideal accompaniment to any academic major.

As the nation slowly works toward equality, we’d like our LGBTQ students to know that Hofstra is on your side. We always welcome feedback and suggestions for how we can do better; don’t hesitate to stop by or email the MISPO office at MISPO@hofstra.edu

Guest Blogger: Jason Schaefer
Second Year Graduate Student in Mental Health Counseling
LGBTQ Program Specialist, MISPO

Men's Basketball Tips-Off Tonight

Hey Hofstra fans….

The 2011-12 Hofstra Men's Basketball season tips-off tonight, Friday, Nov. 11 when the Pride take on defending NEC-champion Long Island University at 7:00 p.m. at the Mack Sports Complex.

Prior to the game, Capital One Bank will host the Pride Fan Fest in the Physical Education Center right next door. Show your game ticket to enjoy interactive games, face-painting, Hofstra Cheerleading and Dance Team performances, free food, giveaways, a pep talk from me, a performance by the cheer and dance teams, and much more! The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. The first 500 fans will also get a Fan Fest t-shirt courtesy of Capital One!

Check out the Fan Fest flyer by clicking here.

Come pack the Mack for what’s sure to be an exciting night of Hofstra Basketball!

We are Hofstra!

-Coach Mo