For Doug Bauder, giving back to IU is an extension of the work he carries out at IU Bloomington every day. As the director of the LGBTQ+ Culture Center, Bauder works to ensure that LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff feel at home and are able to succeed at IU. According to Bauder, philanthropy is a natural extension of this work--a perspective he credits to the religious faith tradition in which he grew up.
“Giving what I have, whether it be my time, the talents I have developed, or the money I have earned, has always been part of my lifestyle,” Bauder said.
In addition to the gifts he makes to Indiana University, Bauder also works with donors to help administrate several OVPDEI scholarships through the LGBTQ+ Culture Center. Such scholarships make a remarkable difference for the students the center serves, including students from historically underserved communities or those who have lost funding for their education after coming out to their families. Having seen this impact firsthand, Bauder remains committed to carrying out the transformative impact of philanthropy in the IU Bloomington community.
“As someone who has worked with LGBTQ+ students, now, for 25 years, I know how important it is for people who have lived "in the shadows" to feel good about themselves and to find ways to contribute to the world,” Bauder said.