Adler University President Raymond E. Crossman, Ph.D., was honored as one of the 2020 inductees to the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame during a virtual ceremony on October 13. Inductees are recognized for their significant contributions to the well-being of Chicago’s LGBTQ community.
Dr. Crossman is the longest-serving LGBTQ university president in the U.S. and Canada and the second longest-serving university president in Chicago. He is also the co-founder of LGBTQ Presidents in Higher Education. Dr. Crossman has established himself as an activist for the LGBTQ community and other marginalized groups, both at Adler University and during his personal time.
“During Dr. Crossman’s tenure, Adler University has prioritized inclusive practices and increased LGBT representation in the University’s board, faculty, staff, and student body,” Mary Morten, 1996 Inductee and Chicago activist, said during the presentation of 2020 Inductees. “Dr. Crossman helped pave the way for LGBT students in higher education. With his leadership, Adler University has taken a stand on issues, such as human rights, undocumented students, and climate change.”
Keynote speakers at the induction included Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and First Lady Amy Eshleman, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. They addressed the transformative work of the inductees and their collective contributions to the city of Chicago.
“Tonight, we have the honor of recognizing some of these residents, individuals, organizers and friends of the LGBT community that have helped to build more resilient communities and a stronger, more diverse and inclusive Chicago,” Eshleman said. Mayor Lightfoot, added. “As both leaders of Chicago and members of the LGBT community, we are honored to recognize each individual, business, and organization being inducted into this year’s Hall of Fame.”
The Hall of Fame was founded in 1991 to raise awareness of and celebrate the leadership, advocacy, and impact of Chicago’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities.
Kenneth Gunn, Acting Commissioner for the Chicago Commission on Human Relations also addressed the inductees, telling them: “You join a veritable who’s who of individuals and organizations who have given selflessly of themselves to make a difference in the lives of thousands of Chicago’s LGBT residents. Each member of the Hall of Fame, in their own way, has left a personal mark of hope, success, triumph, and courage on our city, that it would do well for all of us to emulate.”