MICHAEL LEBEAU

BIO:
     I am very pleased to nominate Mr. Michael Lebeau Michael is the Assistant Director of Career Services at UAB.

     Michael has shown he is a committed ally in significant ways both professionally and personally. I first met him in early 2001 when he was appointed by the vice president of Student Affairs at UAB to the committee I chaired charged with presenting a proposal for a Safe Zone program.

      The Safe Zone program at UAB is composed of trained volunteers from the faculty, staff, and student employees who agree to be identified as safe persons with whom anyone can discuss issues and concerns related to sexual orientation and gender identity. When the program was instituted, Michael agreed to give of his time not only as a volunteer but also as a member of the training team with no remuneration. Michael has been on the training team since the first session in November 2001, and he has not missed a training session since that time, having participated in over twenty (20) training sessions.

      In 2004-2005 Michael served as president of the Alabama Counseling Association with a membership of over 2000 mental health counselors, rehabilitation counselors, school counselors, and counselor educators. In that capacity he charged the Committee on Special Issues to focus on raising awareness of GLBT issues in the counseling profession in Alabama. In the face of criticism from some of the membership for bringing GLBT issues to the forefront, Michael persevered in his support of the work of the committee and its proposal for the creation of a division within the Association – the Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues in Counseling in Alabama. He now serves as president – elect of the division!

     In all my associations with Michael, he has proven to be a trusted friend, valued colleague, and committed ally who I believe is most deserving of the H.A.G. award. It is my honor and pleasure to nominate him for this award!

Sincerely,

Glenda R. Elliott, Ph.D.
Coordinator of Training
UAB Safe Zone Program