Unveil Our Origin Story
How it Started
Our journey began in 2010, in a galaxy not too far away, when a small group of student affairs professionals working in residential life discovered their shared love for all things ‘geeky’. Our offices became sanctuaries for our passions, adorned with Funko Pops and posters from beloved sci-fi and fantasy movies.
We introduced geek-themed programming on our campuses. The excitement and high turnout for these events was extraordinary, resulting in a strong sense of belonging among college students.
Our First Panel
In 2011, a significant milestone occurred when our proposal to present at San Diego Comic-Con was accepted! The first GeekEd team assembled: Emily Sandoval, Alex Belisario, Alfred Day, Ryan McRae, and Tyler Miller. In 2012, Brian McDonald joined the team.
We discovered its transformative power by integrating our geek passions into our professional work. We aimed to transform traditional student programming with topics about geek culture, racial/ethnic representation, sexuality, mental health, and civility. This approach helped geek-identified students find community and overcome feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Co-founder, Alex Belisario’s, shares her experiences in her article, “No Capes”.
The original 2011 team: Tyler Miller (top left), Alex Belisario (top middle), Ryan McRae (top right), Alfred Day (bottom left), and Emily Sandoval (bottom right). Not pictured, Jessica Pettitt (moderator).The Rise of the Collective
“The group started to grow and brought in faculty members to talk about the biology of superheroes, gender identity in Dungeons and Dragons, and all sorts of things. A few years back, it moved from one panel [at San Diego Comic-Con] to four.” - Brian MacDonald
Each year since 2011, we continue to expand our reach with growing audiences. Some of our favorite moments are when teenagers and young adults approach us, surprised to discover that we are geeks, we are women, we are first-generation college students, and we identify as BIPOC. These moments affirm that we are trailblazers, inspiring future generations to embrace their geekiness and find their community.
In 2023, we adopted the term "collective" to reflect the community we've built with passionate professionals and educators. Together, we utilize mass media to bring crucial topics—like the intersection of race, ethics, gender, mental health, and ageism—to the forefront.
Present Day
In 2024, the GeekEd Collective is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the launch of our business, offering consulting, speaking engagements, and training services. Our mission is to support higher education professionals and learning and development specialists in reimagining engagement and fostering a strong sense of belonging within their institutions and organizations.
The Origin of Geek Week
Geek Week was our pioneering initiative on college campuses. From gaming and cosplay to music and academic panels on gender and ethnic diversity, Geek Week continues to offer a diverse range of activities for students while celebrating pop culture. The purpose of Geek Week is to provide a safe, inclusive environment where students and professionals can explore their passions, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and build a strong community.
By focusing on student interests, Geek Week enhances their college experience, fostering acceptance and exposure to the diverse world of geek culture.
Below are examples of previous Geek Week programming agendas and schedules.
Why our Work is Important
The culture of fandom, cosplay, and parasocial relationships is here to stay.
What was once a niche interest now holds significant importance for geek-identified college students. Our geek-related programs have played a crucial role in helping students, particularly first-year students, find a sense of belonging.
Student participation in pop culture-focused initiatives has led to:
Increased feelings of being valued and supported
Enhanced self-connection through embracing their geek identity
Reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation
Increased motivation in academic, leadership, and career pursuits
Improved willingness to be vulnerable and connect on campus
Lights, Camera, Action!
The GeekEd Collective is here to be your league of allies, helping you move closer to achieving your goals.
We are deeply committed to creating safe, welcoming, and authentic spaces for college students and professionals.