91ֱ��

What is the Cemelli LGBTQ+ Research Grant?
This grant provides up to $750 to support a research project in an area related to the history, experiences, or accomplishments of Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, and/or Queer (LGBTQ+) people. The award could be used for travel to research sites, conference expenses, acquisition of reference sources, etc. This project requires a Faculty Advisor for accountability and must be completed and presented during the summer, fall, winter, and/or spring term of the following academic year. 

Who was Andy Cemelli?
In 1996, a fund was initiated honoring two 91ֱ�� LGBTQ+ Lambda Alumni Association Steering Committee members and co-founders who were lost to complications from AIDS-related illnesses. The fund produces an annual financial award for a student to complete work related to the LGBTQ+ community.

This prize is named after Andrew Cemelli '85. Andrew enrolled with the intention of pursuing a biology major with an interest in voice. By the time he graduated, he had completely changed his focus and graduated with a BA in Theatre. Theatre was not his only interest at 91ֱ��; while here, Andy developed interests in photography, knitting, and dance. He was an active member of Keep Co-op and was perhaps most famous in his time here for his sparring with former President Starr. He was very active in Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB) issues, including the data project where he attempted to make a database with LGB interests so that students could seek each other out for support and discussion. After graduation, he started Concepts and Keystrokes (a computing company) with his mother, Ginger Cemelli. He continued to pursue his diverse interests, including pizza eating, scuba diving, and singing in the Pro Art Chorale in Paramus, NJ. He was very active in the 91ֱ�� LGB alumni group that became the Lambda Alumni Association. He worked at Novell/WordPerfect until he was forced to leave on disability in November 1995. Andrew Cemelli died on February 5, 1996, of complications related to AIDS. He is remembered by his friends as being a very persuasive and proactive person. The Cemelli LGBTQ+ Research Grant and the work for which the prize is awarded stands as a testimony to Andrew, to his place in the 91ֱ�� community, and to the place of all queer and trans students at 91ֱ��.

Presentation Requirement
The Cemelli LGBTQ+ Research Grant recipient will be required to present their research (written article, performance, presentation, etc.).

The application for the 2026-2027 academic year is . If you have any questions, please contact Gender, Sexuality, and Attraction Initiatives at gsai@oberlin.edu.

What is the Robertson LGBTQ+ Arts Grant?
This grant provides up to $750 to support an art project in an area related to the history, experiences, or accomplishments of Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, and/or Queer (LGBTQ+) people. The award could be used for travel to research sites, conference expenses, acquisition of materials, performance production, etc. This project requires a Faculty Advisor for accountability and must be completed and presented during the summer, fall, winter, and/or spring term of the following academic year. 

Who was Norm Robertson?
In 1996, a fund was initiated honoring two 91ֱ�� LGBTQ+ Lambda Alumni Association Steering Committee members and co-founders who were lost to complications from AIDS-related illnesses. The fund produces an annual financial award for a student to complete work related to the LGBTQ+ community.

This prize is named after Norm Robertson '81. Norm enrolled in 91ֱ�� College in the fall of 1975, intending to be a pre-med major. By the time he graduated in 1981, like many Obies, he had a completely different outlook and graduated as a Religion major with a significant interest in the Conservatory. Although he had studied the violin seriously in high school, he never intended to become a professional violinist. 91ֱ�� introduced him to Early Music for the first time. While a student, he participated in Collegium Musicum and studied baroque violin and viola. When he moved to Chicago after graduation, he was one of the first members of City Musik, a short-lived but distinguished baroque orchestra. His partner also participated and was a well-known keyboard instrumentalist and soloist. Along with City Musik, Robertson played with Jubal’s Lyre, Basically Bach, and Harwood Early Music Ensemble. 91ֱ�� professors who knew Norm well remember him as a talented student and a gentle, generous person. While at college, Norm worked hard and managed to reconcile his sexuality with his deep-felt convictions as a Catholic. After graduation, he put his convictions into practice and worked for several years in a parish in Baton Rouge, LA, as director of Christian education. He was also quite proud of his position as Director of Consignments at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, one of the Mid-West’s finest art auctions. As a resident of Chicago, Norm was very active in the Chicago alumni group and received the Volunteer of the Year award. Norm Robertson died of complications related to AIDS on January 11, 1992. He was remembered by his friends in Fairchild Chapel in a historical performance concert entitled “Bach for AIDS.” The Robertson LGBTQ+ Arts Grant and the work for which the prize is awarded stands as a testimony to Norm, to his place in the 91ֱ�� community, and to the place of all queer and trans students at 91ֱ��.

Presentation Requirement
The Robertson LGBTQ+ Arts Grant recipient will be required to present their art (written article, performance, presentation, etc.).

The application for the 2026-2027 academic year is . If you have any questions, please contact Gender, Sexuality, and Attraction Initiatives at gsai@oberlin.edu.