Iowa State’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally Alliance is currently looking for candidates to fill a position that will be left open by a longtime member of the organization.

Earlier this semester, Jeff Sorensen, who has been the adviser to the Alliance for the past four years, announced his resignation, effective at the end of this semester.

“We are taking open applications,” said Sarah Schweitzer, president of the Alliance. “We have sent out basic information to everyone concerned, and we have several interested individuals.”

Schweitzer, sophomore in history and women’s studies, said the potential candidates must be open, honest and caring about what they do. They also have to be a member of Iowa State’s faculty or staff.

“We are requiring someone who will be there for the Alliance,” she said, adding that it’s a time-consuming responsibility.

Jeremy Hayes, Alliance executive committee member, said the group is looking for someone who has experience working with LGBT students and issues.

Hayes said the Alliance is seeking “someone who is interested in helping the Alliance grow and has a vision for the Alliance in the future.”

The process of selecting a new adviser is moving slowly. Schweitzer said the group will focus more attention on the search after LGBT Awareness Week, which is March 27 through March 31.

Although Sorensen has resigned as adviser to the Alliance, he will continue to work at Iowa State.

“The reason I stepped out of the adviser position is that it is time for a change; it is time for someone else to step in,” he said. However, Sorensen said he’s still going to be active on campus with LGBT causes.

One of Sorensen’s post-Alliance goals is to try to “reconnect with LGBT alumni whether they were an Alliance member or not.” This would strengthen alumni ties with the university and “provide LGBT students with career resources,” giving students a listing of LGBT-friendly companies, he said.

His other objective is to work for members of the LGBT community to gain equal access to ISU resources such as married housing, he said.

“Our administration is very receptive to LGBT issues [now], and I would like to take advantage of that receptiveness,” Sorensen said.

Hayes, sophomore in management information systems, said he has a positive attitude about the search.

“We are sad to see [Sorensen] go, but it is good to have new input and a new perspective,” he said.

Schweitzer agreed that it will be difficult to replace Sorensen.

“He has been a very steadfast individual, and it will be tough to lose him,” she said.

The deadline for submission of r‚sum‚s is March 15. Additional information can be found on the Alliance Web page at www.alliance.stuorg.iastate.edu/advisor.