Welcome to the 1809 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Alumni Group!
Welcome to the Miami University Alumni Association’s LGBT Alumni Group. Our group connects alumni and friends who are a part of the LGBT Alumni community. As you browse our Web site, we hope you connect with friends and consider registering or volunteering for an upcoming event. If you want to be included in the member directory for the group, contact Sue Harris at harrissg@muohio.edu or 513/529-9358.
MISSION STATEMENT
1809 LGBT Alumni's Mission is to provide a professional and educational network of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender alumni as well as foster support for LGBT students currently attending Miami University.
MEET YOUR BOARD MEMBERS
Jessica Rehling
 After graduating from Miami in 2003 with a degree in Communication, Jessica pursued her Masters in Student Affairs Administration at Michigan State University. She then worked as a Residence Hall Director at Colorado State University from 2005-2007. She is currently working on her Ph.D. in Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership at the University of Northern Colorado and lives in Greeley, CO.
Jessica applied to become a member of the board because of the impact her Miami experience had on who she is today. Joining the board gives her an opportunity to “pay it forward” to the current students at Miami and to help foster a strong sense of community among the alumni.
J. Andrew Zeisler
 Andy graduated from Miami in 1988 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and again in 2000 with a Masters of Educational Psychology with an emphasis in identity development. His Master’s research was in the area of Blind-Gay identity. As an undergraduate at Miami, Andy was one of the founding members of Chameleon and the Gay Lesbian Alliance (GLA).
Since graduating in 1988, Andy has been employed with Miami University and is currently the Associate Director of the Office of Equity and Equal Opportunity as well as the Director of the Office of Disability Resources. In both capacities he ensures, and is passionate about, equal access to employment and education, promoting fairness and equity, and assisting Miami University in the attainment of increased diversity and inclusion. Andy has been recognized for his outstanding service on campus with several awards and was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society in the spring of 2008.
As an undergraduate Andy played on the Men’s Club Volleyball Team, and continues to play competitive volleyball and softball on the national and international level. He has competed in Gay Games competitions in Vancouver and Amsterdam, and earned a silver medal with Team Cincinnati Volleyball in Sydney, Australia in 2002.
Andy and his partner, John Shumate, both sing with the Cincinnati Men’s Chorus and enjoy camping, a busy social life, and bringing the “gay lifestyle” (a.k.a., a sense of humor) to Lebanon, Ohio, where they have lived since 2003 with their pound dog, Roxy. He is both pleased and proud to be serving on the Board for Miami University’s 1809 LGBT Alumni.
 Robert Burns
Robert graduated from Miami with a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics in 1991. He then moved to Washington, DC, where he lived for 15 years and earned a Master’s in Education from the University of Maryland. In 2006, he returned to Ohio and currently lives with his partner in Columbus.
Steven Austin
 Steven graduated from Miami with a degree in Marketing. During his time on campus, he was active in the Greek System, the Miami University Student Foundation and the Homecoming Committee.
Steven has worked in retail management for the past 30 years at companies including May Co, The Gap, The County Seat and Borders Books. He served on Board of Affirmations Gay/Lesbian Community Center in Detroit. Additionally he worked with The Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, on the committee that coordinated 1996 Washington, DC display.
After living in Detroit for 17 years, Steven moved to Indianapolis in 2008. He is currently Area Operations Manager for Lowe's Home Improvement. Steven lives with his partner, Scott Horn, and their two cats, Sam and Stella.
Steven says he joined our Board to encourage other LGBT alumni, many of whom may not have had the best experience, to give Miami another chance.
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