Column: Spectrum RSO needs e-board members to keep going
'We need to exist and take up space'
At MainStage this year, I was delighted to see a familiar rainbow poster board. I recognized Spectrum at once. I stepped forward with a smile to greet the tabling member. Spectrum board had a handwritten message in the middle of their sign: “Join us to preserve LGBTQ+ community & Pride at CMU. Eboard Needed!”
I remember frowning in understanding. When graduates leave, Registered Student Organizations can struggle. Often eboard are juniors and seniors. To my knowledge, this was a well-known RSO that had active and enthusiastic members. I thought they’d be fine.
I asked Spectrum President Cecilia Tresenriter how badly she needed leadership.
Tresenriter said it was desperate.
Thankfully, the RSO has gained four new eboard members since MainStage. They are still looking for people to fill the roles of Inclusivity Chair and Student Government Association (SGA) proxy.
SGA is especially important, because every RSO needs to send a representative to the SGA meetings in order to receive funding for events. Their current SGA eboard proxy will be leaving next semester, Tresenriter said.
Anyone who might be interested in applying for a position can reach Spectrum via email at spectrumofcmu@gmail.com or Tresenriter directly at trese1cf@cmich.edu. She said she also encourages everyone to follow Spectrum on engage or on Instagram @cmuspectrum to receive weekly emails.
The current Spectrum eboard is as follows:
- President Tresenriter
- Vice President and SGA Representative Lorenzo Harrison Anguiano
- Treasurer Jadelena Truong
- Secretary Bray Wiesanauer
- Public Relations Chair Joss Marsh
- Social Chairs Aims Coston and Riley Zitterkoph
I cannot fully describe what a loss it would be for campus to lose Pride communities on campus. Although Spectrum's attendance numbers were small, Spectrum members were always visible last year, actively participating in the community.
By far its most popular organized event was an affirming, anti-discrimination 'Pride Prom.' Eboard members ensured it was a safe place for people to be their authentic selves, and they always got a couple dozen guests.
I wrote an article for their Pride Prom last year. It is a themed, annual dance welcoming people to come as they identify. Sophia Scarneccia, president at the time, said the event was meant to support everyone. At Pride Prom, no one would feel second-best.
“That was my favorite part of the year, I think," Tresenriter said. "'Cause I personally put so much work into the decoration and making sure that everything went smoothly. I’m personally really proud of how that turned out.”
Spectrum President, Cecelia Tresenriter, poses for a picture on September 10, 2024.
The RSO eboard tries to have little things for those who come to each meeting.
“Something else we tried to do was go, ‘Hey, we’re going to go to this (event), if you want to go be with us,'” Tresenriter said.
The eboard also tries to invite members out to dinner after meetings and offer carpooling, she said.
Last year members of the RSO participated in a skating fundraiser for the National Indigenous Students’ Organization and attended the visiting Drag Show in the University Center.
I have met with Spectrum members many times outside of the RSO. Last year several members participated in the feminist “Slut Walk,” honoring students and people who have been sexually assaulted.
Tresenriter said that Spectrum was founded at CMU in 1971 to work toward legalizing gay marriage.
“I think it’s really important to be able to hold this space,” she said. “It isn’t just for me, you know. It's for the new girls we just had join, who are freshmen and who are coming here not knowing anybody. We need to exist and take up space or it's going to be taken from us.
“I was nervous going into it with just Jade, Lorenzo and (me), but now I’ve got four new people that I feel really good about. I like their abilities and ideas and it's gonna be good. I’ve got a good feeling.”
Spectrum's first meeting will be held at 6 p.m on Sept. 19 in Anspach 166. Anyone is welcome to attend.
Lydia Soltis is a second-year staff writer for CMLife and a junior at CMU. She studies communication and theater outside of her work and is Volunteer Chair for the Public Service Residential College in Towers hall. She has a passion for the voice of minoritized groups, especially those surrounded by stigma. Her dream is to bring people together through understanding people's unique experiences.
