Kira Maddox
Kira Maddox
DEI Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator
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 of 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.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2023 awards. Please ensure your nominations are as detailed as possible. The form will be open until February 10.
Save the Date:
The 2023 Excellence in Fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Awards Banquet will be on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. in the Library Concourse.
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 |
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