Excellence in Fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Awards

A key component of Utica University’s mission is to foster a rich diversity of perspective, background, and experience in the context of an equitable, respectful, and inclusive environment, in accordance with the institutional Stance Statement.

To honor the campus community members working diligently to uphold this mission, the DEI Collaborative presents the annual Utica University Excellence in Fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award.

This award recognizes the committed individuals who promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at Utica University and beyond by dedicating their time and energy to educating themselves on various topics related to DEI, being an advocate for equity in their respective spaces, and using their knowledge to create a more inclusive campus climate.

Award winners, chosen by the DEI Collaborative after a campus wide nomination process, do one or more of the following:

Create a supportive and inclusive campus climate through personal leadership, intentional engagement, collaboration, etc.
Are an outspoken advocate to ensure Utica University remains a working and learning environment free from bigotry and injustice.
Work to instill topics and themes of diversity, equity, and inclusion into institutional frameworks (curriculum, policies, procedures, etc.)
Demonstrate a commitment furthering one’s own or others’ knowledge on contemporary subject matter related to diversity, equity, and inclusion by hosting or participating in various educational programs, panels, webinars, etc. (on or off campus)
Are an active advocate in the greater City of Utica community and other satellite locations through volunteerism and/or other service.
Carry out other exemplary work critical to creating a culturally aware and inclusive climate at Utica University.

2023 Excellence in Fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Awards

The 2023 Excellence in Fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Awards banquet was held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Thank you to everyone who attended! This year's winners are as follows:

Students

Terry Nagginda, Cybersecurity
Ash Tavarez, Psychology
Demia Tomlinson, Nursing

Faculty

Marvee Marr, Associate Professor of Management
Kelly Minerva, Assistant Professor of English
Cicily Talerico, Professor of Practice - Occupational Therapy

Staff

Judy Borner, Director of Learning Services
Katie Hanifin, Education Department Coordinator & Director of Transitional Programming
Ciara Parrish, Assistant Director of Alumni & Student Engagement
Student Organization: The Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD)

Office

The Frank E. Gannett Memorial Library

Award Recipients

Year of Award	Name of Recipient
2022	Dylan Bennett, History
2022	Jordyn Bucci-Mooney, Health Studies - PT Track, B.S. '23
2022	Jaydy Hernandez, Criminal Justice, B.S. '22
2022	Michelle Boucher, Professor Chemistry
2022	Audrey Cross, Assistant Professor of Construction Management
2022	Oligens Sulo, Professor of Practice in Nursing
2022	Ashlea Schad, Director of Development
2022	Jasper Wojtach, TRIO Retention and Tutoring Coordinator
2022	Alison Ricci Wadas, Administrative Assistant, School of Health Professions and Education
2022	Black Student Union, Student Organization
2022	Office of International Education, Administrative Office
2021	Cara Patterson, Psychology, B.S. & Sociology / Anthropology, B.S. '22
2021	Ann Ciancia, Management, MBA '21
2021	Active Minds, Student Organization
2021	Kaylee Seddio, Assistant Professor of Psychology
2021	Lisa Green, Vice President of Human Resources
2020	Mercedes Steele, Criminal Justice, B.S. '21
2020	Gianna Boone, Communication Arts, B.A. '20
2020	Fuerza Latina, Student Organization
2020	Mark Kovacs, Executive Director of Alumni & Parent Relations
2020	Elizabeth Threadgill, Associate Professor of Enligsh
2019	Lukus Becker, Psychology, B.S. '19
2019	Malcolm Stowe, Management, B.S. '19
2019	Omega Phi Beta, Student Organization
2019	Clemmie Harris, Associate Professor of History
2019	Joanne Pluff, Associate Director of Admissions / Recruitment & Strategies
2018	Hermina Garic, Sociology / Anthropology, B.A. '19
2018	Theta Phi Alpha, Student Organization
2018	John Johnsen, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
2017	Shkumbin Halabadu, Government & Politics, B.A. '17
2017	Gay-Straight Alliance, Student Organization
2017	Suzanne Richardson, Assistant Professor of English
2016	Amarildo Ceka, Management, MBA '19
2016	Black Student Union, Student Organization
2016	Kathryn Silva, Assistant Professor of History
2015	Elaine Paravati, Psychology, B.S. '15
2015	Africa in Motion, Student Organization
2015	Alane Varga, Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
2014	Chochanmyei Oo, Economics, B.A. '14
2014	Omega Phi Beta, Student Organization
2014	Damian Paco Santiago, Pioneer Grill Cook
2013	Janice Tran, Management, B.S. '12
2013	Johnni Mahdi, Director of HEOP
2012	Anthony De La Rosa, Management, B.S. '12
2012	Halina Lotyczewski, Assistant Director of Career Services
2011	Anthony O'Hagan, Journalism, B.S. '11
2011	Helen Blouet, Professor of Anthropology
2010	Suhayl Santana, Internatonal Studies, B.A. '11
2010	Arthur Langdon, Executive Chief
2009	Anthony O'Hagan, Journalism, B.S. '11
2009	Joanne Hathaway, Senior Secretary for the Library
2009	Todd Hutton, Utica College President

Contact Us

Kira Maddox

DEI Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator

klmaddox@utica.edu