For the third consecutive year, Ithaca College has been ranked on Campus Pride’s list of the Top 50 LGBT-Friendly Universities and Colleges. Luca Maurer, director of the Center for LGBT Education, Outreach and Services, said the college’s greater accomplishment is maintaining the ranking while more colleges and universities are becoming more lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender friendly, making Campus Pride’s list more competitive.

The Center for LGBT Education, Outreach and Services was founded in 2001. According to its mission statement on the college’s website, the center strives to “make the world a better place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people” and to “create a campus that is the best learning, working, and living environment for LGBT people.”

There is clear evidence of LGBT friendliness and advancement on campus. The college recently added a course in queer studies in the women’s and gender studies department, making progress to create an LGBTQ Studies minor.

Much of the campus’ advancement in LGBT friendliness and awareness is due to Maurer’s dedication and leadership in the subject. He has been the center’s director since its opening in 2001. With the help of the center and various LGBT-awareness clubs and organizations on campus, the college can eventually establish the LGBTQ Studies minor and stay on Campus Pride’s ranking.