![Newspaper clipping from February 25, 1970 in the Daily Barometer showing an article written by Bob Allen, past Barometer Editor. This article was written to spotlight both the student body’s lack of participation with student government at the time in conjunction with their class representatives response. [It’s important to note ASOSU was not structured identically to today’s standards, likely having a president on behalf of each class work together as one entity as opposed to one president representing all classes.]](https://dailybaro.orangemedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-12-1.00.42-PM-e1741811160853.png)
This Friday, April 25, Oregon State University’s Pride Center is hosting a grand opening of their newly renovated and expanded building.
The event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The first hour and a half of the event is allocated to brunch and a program in front of the Pride Center featuring speakers and performances. The rest of the time, attendees can take self-guided tours of the building, mingle, take photos in a photobooth, and learn about the Pride Center’s History.
“This event will be a great opportunity for students to experience and celebrate the new Pride Center building and to meet alumni and friends of the center,” said Cindy Konrad, the Pride Center Director.
Konrad supports and oversees the Pride Center, its events and the student staff members who work there. Konrad describes the Pride Center as, “A cultural resource center that provides connection, support, and education.”
“The Pride Center is a place for all members of the OSU community to learn more about the LGBTQIA2S+ community, themselves, and others,” said Konrad.
According to Konrad, the Pride Center’s history dates back to 1999 when students decided space and support services were needed for LGBTQIA2+, questioning, and allied students.
Originally inside the Hattie Redmond Women & Gender Center (then the Women’s Center). Student Involvement and the Student Fee Committee built financial support for what became known as the Queer Resource Center.
In 2004, the Queer Resource Center outgrew the space in the HRWGC and was moved into a small historic house in their current location. Additionally, it was given its new name “Pride Center.”
“There was always a plan, even back in 2004, to expand our little house on A Avenue. In 2021, Student Experiences & Engagement and Diversity & Cultural Engagement identified funds for the project, and we then worked with an architect to design the building. We moved into a temporary space in SEC 112 during construction, and we reopened in our newly renovated building on September 30, 2024,” said Konrad.
Konrad encourages students to stop by on Friday to see what the Pride Center has to offer, “The renovation and expansion of our building turned out beautifully, and it’s been exciting to see people using and enjoying the space! I encourage students who haven’t been to the new center to come to our Grand Opening or just stop by the center and check it out!”
