The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the intersection and experiences of spiritual and sexual orientation identity development in LGBT graduates of faith-based institutions. Guided by Crenshaw's (1984), framework on intersectionality, this qualitative study was conducted through six in-depth interviews with LGBT graduates of faith-based institutions from Protestant faiths. Collected data was transcribed and analyzed using Colaizzi's (1978) process for phenomenological data. Four themes emerged from the data analysis: commitment to religious affiliation; positive campus environment; negative campus environment; and identity congruence and dissonance. Additionally, participants were asked to identify their institutions as liberal, conservative, or neither liberal or conservative. Individuals that identified their institutions as liberal described a supportive campus environment and experienced congruence with their spiritual and sexual orientation identity. Individuals that identified their institutions as conservative, described a campus environment that lacked support and experienced dissonance with their spiritual and sexual orientation. Their sexual orientation identity developed, and their spiritual identity changed. The experiences of these participants are not generalizable yet provide implications for improved practices at faith-based institutions to support their LGBT student population further develop their spiritual identity. Results from this study are intended to inform the faith-based higher education community about the needs of LGBT students and assist with the advancement of resources to support the development of these students.

Thesis (Ed.D.)--Boston University

Alumni associations and offices of development play fundamental roles in American higher education, typically having missions which include the generation of financial support for the institution. Alumni associations must develop strategies to encourage alumni to donate money and enable them to build long-term relationships between alumni organizations and the university. The foundation of any fund raising program is the annual fund. Not only does the annual fund represent a significant percentage of funds raised for most charities, it often comes with the fewest strings attached. If development professionals have a clear understanding of the issues and factors that influence donors to make annual gifts, they may be able to design cultivation and solicitation approaches which raise more money at less cost. The study uses quantitative methods to analyze data collected from the computer database of the Mississippi State University Foundation and Mississippi State University National Alumni Association to develop a profile of donors and non-donors. Recommendations for further study include more studies of this type in the region, interview studies with donors, and studying any relationships between giving and other variables, such as income level.

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