Catholic university Notre Dame isn't necessarily the most LGBT-friendly institution of higher education. Despite a few progressive steps forward, official university policy -- like that of the Roman Catholic Church -- still takes a hostile attitude toward LGBT people.

Regardless, LGBT students and alumni have banded together for years in efforts to make change. They've found unlikely allies in the university's administration. This year, Gay and Lesbian Alumni/ae of Notre Dame and St. Mary’s College (GALA-ND/SMC) honors one of those people: Notre Dame Asst. Vice President of Student Affairs Sister M.L. Gude, C.S.C.

GALA-ND/SMC will also honor Notre Dame alum Lt. Col Victor Fehrenback ('91), an openly gay, 19-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

From a release:

The Gay and Lesbian Alumni/ae of Notre Dame and St. Mary’s College (GALA-ND/SMC) will present the 2010 Tom Dooley Award to former Notre Dame Asst. Vice President of Student Affairs Sister M.L. Gude, C.S.C. The group will also give a “Distinguished Alumni” Award to Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach, Notre Dame class of ’91 and an openly gay 19-year combat veteran of the United States Air Force. The awards dinner will be in South Bend, IN on Saturday, October 2. Other panels and discussions will occur throughout the weekend.

“Sister M.L. Gude is a true hero for the GLBT community,” said GALA-ND/SMC Chair Liam Dacey, ”She has worked tirelessly to support and advise gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered students over the past two decades, and we are proud to pay her a much deserved tribute.” Sister Gude served as Chair of the Notre Dame Standing Committee on Gay and Lesbian Student Needs from the late 90s-mid 2000s, where she pioneered gay and lesbian educational, training, and social programs.

Lt. Col. Fehrenbach has faced discharge from the Air Force against his will because of his sexuality. He is currently awaiting the decision of his case from the Secretary of the Air Force. Dacey said: “Under current Notre Dame policies, a war hero like Lt. Col. Fehrenbach would not be given non discrimination protection at Notre Dame and also would not be able to start his own gay organization. That is an injustice.”

Ticket prices for the dinner range from $50 for members to $75 for non-members. Students and young alumni can get a discounted ticket of $35. All panels during the weekend are free and open to the public. For more information on registration, visit: www.GalaNDSMC.org.