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By Katelyn Pothakul

As a student, Robert Hoover '76 spent hours talking with friends sprawled on the carpeted floors of the University Union. Years later, he has created a similar relaxed and conversational atmosphere through an LGBTQ Seniors group — a regionally-recognized initiative to build a supportive and inclusive community for Broome County residents, regardless of their identity.

After moving to New York City post-graduation, Hoover gave back to ������Ƶ by volunteering at job fairs to provide career counseling and networking opportunities to students as a professional in the magazine industry. Leveraging his previous editorial experience of laying out his high school yearbook, Hoover had served publications as an art director, production director and vice president. Upon his retirement in 2016, Hoover returned to his hometown of Binghamton to be closer to his family and the University.

“I was asked to serve on the Broome County Office for Aging advisory board, and I’ve been on that for two years,” Hoover said. “They sponsored me to start a group called the LGBTQ Seniors, so that’s been over a year now. We just had our 13th meeting, and I’ve had all kinds of speakers.”

The LGBTQ Seniors group consists of more than 20 members and meets monthly at the Johnson City Senior Center. Hoover facilitates each meeting and invites guests to speak, including government officials such as Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham and Broome County Executive Jason Garnar ‘99. Previous sessions have covered financial scams targeting older adults as well as the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) program to reduce the risk of HIV infection.

Hoover says the social group can double as a support group for seniors who feel isolated, and can help members address issues they encounter in their day-to-day lives. Because of the trust he has established with members, Hoover often connects them with caseworkers and counselors when needed.

“It doesn't matter how old you are, if you're 19 or 70. Just be true to your feelings,” Hoover said. “If you're having a problem, go and talk to someone and don't let anyone stop you. Just talk about the normal stresses and strains, and if anything is bothering you. You always should talk about your problems.”

However, communication is not the only form of emotional expression for Hoover, who has “painted in earnest” since his retirement, illustrating his feelings through abstract landscapes and what he calls modern portraits with such subjects as Al Pacino, James Dean and Heath Ledger in a style inspired by Andy Warhol. Hoover had taken Harpur College electives such as beginning and intermediate drawing, beginning painting and art history with the “legendary” founder of the art department Kenneth Lindsay while studying English literature; however, Hoover started pursuing painting with gusto in 2005 after a visceral dream.

With his commitment to service spanning nearly four decades, Hoover’s contributions were officially honored by the New York State Office for the Aging last month. Hoover says he is “deeply grateful” to be awarded for his volunteerism and making a difference in the lives of others.

“Most senior gay people grew up without a great deal of support and had difficulty,” he said. “I’m grateful that ������Ƶ was open and free, however. People our age are survivors, and I wanted to give them a sense of community and belonging.”