Molly B. Holmes 2001, 2004

mollyDegree: Bachelor of Science in Health Education-Teacher Education (2001), Master of Science in College Student Personnel (2004)

Business Information:  Director, Gender and Sexuality Resource Center, Northern Illinois University

Advice for Freshmen: Discover who you are at Western. Challenge yourself to try something new, and find your connection to both the Leatherneck community, and  discover who you want to be come. Western gives a variety of opportunities to become connected and involved, so continue to find what positively challenges you and supports your goals. Also, there are many who want to be there for you along the way: staff, faculty, advisors, RAs, and upperclass/graduate student mentors. Don't be afraid t o reach out.  

Favorite WIU Memory:  My passion and care for supporting underrepresented students started at Western. From my own found support in friends, joining Unity as an undergraduate, and later in re-developing the Safe Space program as a graduate student, to the opportunity to hear the stories of many students. The support of staff  and faculty mentors, while learning alongside peers, ignited a passion to advocate for and support LGBTQ+ and BIPOC students today. One of the reasons I established WIU's Supporting LGBTQ+ Leathernecks Scholarship is to convey this gratitude and demonstrate that future LGBTQ+ WIU students have support in those of us who came before.

Family Information/Special Interests and Hobbies: I enjoy traveling, spending time with loved ones, watching documentaries, advocating for social justice, and finding ways to laugh in an ever-changing world.