GLBT director retires after 21 years

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
ByLuke McCormick


One year after the grand opening of the safe haven she spent 14 years fighting for, Paulette Curkin is leaving SIUC.

Curkin, director for the university's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender resource center, plans to end her 21-year career at the university after this semester. Curkin said working toward the center's January 2007 launch was her proudest achievement of the two decades.

Throughout her time in Carbondale, Curkin said, there had always been a clear need for a support network for GLBT community members.

Though Curkin said she plans to live in Carbondale after retirement, travel plans will take her to Italy this summer and around the country to visit family and friends.

"Most of my family is in Florida, so when the ice hits and students are worried about how they'll get to class, I'll just hop in my car," Curkin said.

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