Alumni

Molly Holmes 2001, 2004Holmes


Degree: 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 to reach out.  

Favorite WIU Memory:  I came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community at Western. I found support in friends, joining Unity as an undergraduate, and later in re-developing the Safe Space program as a graduate student. The support of staff and faculty mentors, while learning alongside peers, ignited a passion to advocate for and support LGBTQ+ 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 my child and my partner, watching documentaries, advocating for social justice, and finding ways to laugh in an ever-changing world.