Four members of the Elon community were honored at a Nov. 3 ceremony for their advocacy work on behalf of LGBTQIA issues on campus and beyond
Established in 2012, the awards are presented annually at Homecoming to recognize the contributions of Elon students, faculty, staff and alumni who advocate for human rights and are a vital part of the LGBTQIA communities.
During the ceremony, the LGBTQIA Alumni Network also honored Matthew Antonio Bosch, director of Elon’s Gender and LGBTQIA Center, for his contributions to and support for the LGBTQIA communities at Elon by naming the student award in his honor. Bosch gave an update on the advancement of LGBTQIA issues at Elon during the past year, including several new events that were held to support different communities. “It’s amazing to see how many students, especially in the South, see Elon as a beacon of hope,” he said.
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, questioning, Queer, Intersex, asexual and Ally (LGBTQIA) Alumni Network strives to improve the campus climate for members of the Elon community by advocating on behalf of LGBTQIA issues and partnering with others to build an inclusive and respectful community.
2018 LGBTQIA Alumni Network Awards Recipients
Ivey M. Ghee ’03
Community Enrichment Award
Ivey Ghee ’03 is a small business owner and lead consultant at The Hospitality G, LLC, which specializes in motivating hospitable behavior in the work place. She is an energetic, outgoing motivational speaker who loves spreading her joy and passion throughout Greensboro, North Carolina, and beyond. Ivey was featured in the July 2017 “Made in Greensboro” edition as a community builder. She has done just that as she has served on the following boards: Welfare Reform Liaison Project (2011–15); Guilford Green Foundation (2011–16); and Guilford College Employer Advisory Board (2014–16). She also serves on the LGBTQ Advisory Board for Guilford County Schools.
Jonathan Chapman ’07
Community Enrichment Award
Jonathan Chapman ’07 is a pastor and teacher at Westfield United Church of Christ in Danielson, Connecticut. He graduated in 2010 from Candler School of Theology at Emory University, where he was awarded the Hoyt Hickman Award for Outstanding Liturgical Scholarship. A recipient of Elon’s W. L. Monroe Christian Education and Personality Award, he advances LGBTQIA inclusion across faith communities and his church’s official status as open and affirming.
Brenna M. Ragghianti L’14
Community Enrichment Award
Brenna Ragghianti L’14 is a hearing officer for the Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court in Greensboro, North Carolina. She is also chair of the board of directors for Benevolence Farm, a nonprofit that helps women transition from prison back into the community while living on an active farm in Graham. She was recently featured in the law section of the Elon LGBTQIA Alumni Summit Showcase. Brenna and her wife welcomed their first child in August.
Charlie Cheema ’19
Matthew Antonio Bosch Student Community Engagement Award
Charlie Cheema ’19 is an adventure, health and physical education major pursuing a career in outdoor recreation and environmental education. At Elon, Charlie is a proud Odyssey Program scholar and has served as an orientation leader, a member of New Student Orientation head staff and student body vice president. Charlie’s post-grad plans are to move back to the beach and take a break for a few years—maybe wait tables or teach surf lessons for a while.