In Col’s eyes, the university we want to be includes people feeling safe and seen while being their authentic selves. That can be as simple as having an ID card with your preferred first name—something Col made happen for students in collaboration with the registrar’s office, Title IX Office, and the Office of Equity and Inclusion. “This is amazing for trans students but also lots of others,” he says, citing a number of East Asian international students choosing Western names while at college, people going by their middle names, and those who have always been a “Jimmy” and never a “James.”

One the newer ideas from Col’s team involves holding office hours in every school at the University. The idea—which supplements other efforts—is primarily to offer a physical presence and resource for students to help deliver the most seamless LGBTQ life experience.

As a transmasc, non-binary alumnus, lecturer, volunteer, patient, and employee of Rochester, Col is not only uniquely qualified to be a staff ombudsperson, but also a judge of Boundless Possibility’s Faculty and staff success goal. He roundly gives the goal’s objectives two thumbs up, stating, “A plan that recognizes the crucial role of staff and aims to cultivate an inclusive culture that prioritizes their well-being, development, engagement, success, and diversity will create an environment for them to thrive.”