Exploring LGBTQ+ Allyship Affiliations and Donor Motivations

Peter Robertson, Ed.D.

Peter Robertson has been an “agent of change” on behalf of Fresno’s disenfranchised and marginalized communities for 35 years. He is passionate about serving others and strives to lead by example. A four-time graduate of Fresno State (BA, MA, MBA, and EdD), his activism was fostered on the campus as an undergraduate student. He was a founding member of United Student Pride, a co-founder of the Fresno Reel Pride Film Festival, and named a grand marshal for the inaugural Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade. Most recently, he was selected the graduate student speaker for the 9th annual Rainbow Graduation Celebration. Robertson’s doctoral dissertation – “Higher Education Philanthropy: Exploring LGBTQ+ Allyship Affiliations and Donor Motivations” (2022) – is an emerging topic within academic research, and higher education philanthropy. He also posits a new theoretical framework – allyship based motivation (ABM) – whereby one’s allyship toward causes oriented around diversity, equity, and inclusion, is an integral component of their being and self-identity. As a Fresno State staff member, he has continued to advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion and respect for students and alumnx, as well as faculty and staff. As a volunteer, he established the Bulldog Pride Fund, and founded the Rainbow Alumnx and Allies Club. Currently, Robertson is the director of alumni connections with the Fresno State Alumni Association. Bonus Intra. Melior Exi.