Remembering Williams Institute Founder Charles "Chuck" Williams
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Last Wednesday evening, our friend and founder Chuck Williams passed away at home. A businessman and philanthropist, Chuck will be remembered for his staggering generosity and vision. In 2001, his $2.5 million gift to found the Williams Institute was the largest donation ever given to a college or university in support of LGBTQ research. More than 20 years later, Chuck and his partner Stu Walter have given more than $20 million to support the Williams Institute.
Chuck aimed to create a world where LGBTQ people didn’t have to face the same obstacles he had experienced. "He gave tirelessly of his time, experience, heart, and skills," said Founding Executive Director Brad Sears. "He never stopped encouraging others to get involved and support our work."
A memorial will be held to honor Chuck's life and legacy in June.
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Williams Institute's 22nd Annual Update
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Thank you to all of our friends and supporters who joined us for our 22nd Annual Update last Friday. The Annual Update was one of Chuck's favorite Williams Institute events, and we are certain he would have been very proud of this year's celebration.
The day started with a conference titled, Contested Truths: LGBTQ Research in the Age of Misinformation, which examined the spread of LGBTQ+ misinformation in the media, policymaking, and academia, followed by a keynote address by Ari Waldman, Professor of Law and Computer Science at Northeastern University School of Law. Visit our website or click on the image below to watch the conference and keynote.
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In the evening, we honored Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi with the Lifetime Impact Award in recognition of her leadership working for LGBTQ+ equality. We also awarded the trailblazing researcher Jessica Xavier and Latham & Watkins, LLP for their commitment to the legal rights of LGBTQ people.
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