Diversity Celebrated With Annual Awards CeremonyKent State University presented three awards Saturday, April 22, recognizing efforts to enhance and promote diversity by individuals and academic units on the Kent State campuses and in the community. The Diversity Leadership Awards are designed to reward superior performance demonstrated by personal efforts, unique contributions and initiatives above-and-beyond expectations toward institutional diversity-related goals. In addition, the President’s Social Responsibility Award acknowledges an individual or organization outside the university. Following are the award winners who were honored at the ceremony:
President’s Social Responsibility Award Margaret W. Wong, Esq. President, Margaret W. Wong and Associates Co. LPA In more than 20 years of practice, Margaret W. Wong has built Margaret W. Wong and Associates Co. LPA into a firm nationally and internationally renowned for its knowledge of immigration and national law. Wong, who became one of the first non-U.S. citizens licensed to practice law in New York and Ohio, has assisted thousands of people coming to the United States to become permanent residents, advance their education and work to pursue opportunities. In addition, Wong has received many awards including the Creative Philanthropy Award from the Women’s Community Foundation and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for her outstanding achievements and contributions to the United States. Inducted into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame in 2000, Wong enjoys a reputation for legal ability and ethical practice. She also is listed as a Best Lawyer in America. Diversity Leadership Award for Teaching/Research Christina M. McVay
Linda Piccirillo-Smith NTT Lecturers in Pan-African Studies and English The efforts of McVay and Piccirillo-Smith to facilitate the academic growth of underrepresented students, specifically African-American students, are apparent in their teaching and mentoring activities. The enthusiasm, commitment and academic rigor exhibited by the two colleagues has been recognized by university administrators, faculty and students. Both faculty members have been consistently active and involved in the overall well-being of students in the Department of Pan-African Studies. They are exemplary role models for the historic cooperative relationship between the English and Pan-African Studies departments in the development of students’ writing and critical thinking abilities. Further, Piccirillo-Smith and McVay jointly orchestrated the development of the “Tutorial Clinic” to assist students in developing their writing skills. Diversity Leadership Academic/Service Unit
Kent State East Liverpool Campus Kent State University East Liverpool Campus was recognized for consistently implementing an exceptional diversity program that fosters an atmosphere of inclusion and aids in the recruitment and retention of students from underrepresented groups. Issues of diversity are woven into the very culture of campus life, teaching and administration. From hiring of faculty and staff, to recruitment and retention of students, to classroom instruction, to the daily operations of campus, each member of the Kent State East Liverpool family works daily to promote an environment that respects people regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity or physical ability. The East Liverpool Diversity Committee has initiated a special project that illustrates the campus’ commitment to an inclusive learning environment. An evaluation tool to measure the effects of diversity activities and programming on students’ worldviews has been created and is currently being refined. This tool will allow the campus to offer more effective, rewarding diversity programming. By Ashley Katona  |
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