THE FOLLOWING IS A DANVILLE AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
DANVILLE – Danville Area Community College’s Jaguar Pride club recently brought the holiday spirit to campus with a heartwarming Holiday Card Project. The event, held on November 21 in Mary Miller Room 300, was a collaboration with the Pinta Pride Organization and aimed to bring comfort and connection to individuals in the LGBTQ+ community who may not feel welcome at home during the holidays.
Participants – including students, faculty, staff, and administrators – wrote 170 personalized cards during the two-hour event. Each card was addressed to someone from a list provided by Pinta Pride, featuring individuals’ interests, life challenges, and stories. This allowed writers to establish meaningful connections through their messages, offering a sense of care and community during a potentially difficult time of year.
“The holidays can be especially tough for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community who feel isolated or unaccepted,” said Professor Stephanie Loveless, Jaguar Pride’s faculty sponsor. “This project wasn’t just about sending cards; it was about showing love, support, and belonging to people who need it most.”
Jaguar Pride, which officially launched this fall, was formed to create a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ students at DACC. The club is committed to fostering a sense of community and belonging while showcasing the college’s dedication to being an open and welcoming environment for all.
Since its inception, Jaguar Pride has been active in building connections both on campus and in the wider community. In September, the group hosted a coffee and donut social to kick off the semester, and in October, it celebrated National Coming Out Day with an event in downtown Danville at Vermilion River Beer Co.
For Professor Loveless, the club’s purpose goes beyond just holding events. “Having Jaguar Pride on campus is essential,” she explained. “It’s a space where LGBTQ+ students feel safe and supported, and it sends a powerful message that DACC is a place where everyone belongs.”
With a growing membership of 23 students and strong support from faculty and staff, Jaguar Pride is quickly becoming an integral part of the DACC community. The Holiday Card Project exemplifies the club’s mission to make a positive impact and remind everyone – both on and off campus – that they are valued and never alone.
For more information about Jaguar Pride or to get involved, contact Professor Stephanie Loveless at s.loveless@dacc.edu.
Danville Area Community College is a comprehensive community college serving Illinois District 507, which consists of Vermilion County and parts of Champaign, Iroquois, Edgar, and Ford counties. DACC’s main campus is located at 2000 East Main Street, Danville. The College has a higher-learning center in Hoopeston at 847 E. Orange. To apply to DACC, call 217-443-3222 or visit the Web site at www.DACC.EDU.
