Kira Maddox
Kira Maddox
DEI Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator
Excellence in Fostering DEI and Belonging 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 DEI and Belonging Awards.
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.
2024 Excellence in Fostering DEI and Belonging Awards
The 2024 Excellence in Fostering DEI and Belonging Awards banquet was held on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Thank you to everyone who attended! This year's winners are as follows:
Students
- Leah Griffin, Biology, B.S.
- Mariami Kentchadze, Cybersecurity, B.S.
- Michael McNeil, Health Sciences-PT Track, B.S.
Faculty
- Leslie Corbo, Director, B.S. Cybersecurity Programs and Associate Professor, Cybersecurity
- Aida Gahan-Benson, Assistant Professor, Nursing
- Elaine Liu, Assistant Professor, Chemistry
Staff
- Susan Johnston, Director of TRIO Student Support Services
- David Butler, YSLPP Site Assistant
- James Lemieux, Head Track & Field Coach
Student Organization
- The International Student Union
Office
- Sodexo Dining Services
Award Recipients
| 2023 Award Winners |
|---|
| Terry Nagginda, Cybersecurity |
| Ash Tavarez, Psychology |
| Demia Tomlinson, Nursing |
| Marvee Marr, Associate Professor of Management |
| Kelly Minerva, Assistant Professor of English |
| Cicily Talerico, Professor of Practice - Occupational Therapy |
| 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 |
| 2022 Award Winners |
| Dylan Bennett, History |
| Jordyn Bucci-Mooney, Health Studies - PT Track, B.S. '23 |
| Jaydy Hernandez, Criminal Justice, B.S. '22 |
| Michelle Boucher, Professor Chemistry |
| Audrey Cross, Assistant Professor of Construction Management |
| Oligens Sulo, Professor of Practice in Nursing |
| Ashlea Schad, Director of Development |
| Jasper Wojtach, TRIO Retention and Tutoring Coordinator |
| Alison Ricci Wadas, Administrative Assistant, School of Health Professions and Education |
| Black Student Union, Student Organization |
| Office of International Education, Administrative Office |
| 2021 Award Winners |
| Cara Patterson, Psychology, B.S. & Sociology / Anthropology, B.S. '22 |
| Ann Ciancia, Management, MBA '21 |
| Active Minds, Student Organization |
| Kaylee Seddio, Assistant Professor of Psychology |
| Lisa Green, Vice President of Human Resources |
| 2020 Award Winners |
| Mercedes Steele, Criminal Justice, B.S. '21 |
| Gianna Boone, Communication Arts, B.A. '20 |
| Fuerza Latina, Student Organization |
| Mark Kovacs, Executive Director of Alumni and Parent Relations |
| Elizabeth Threadgill, Associate Professor of English |
| 2019 Award Winners |
| Lukus Becker, Psychology, B.S. '19 |
| Malcolm Stowe, Management, B.S. '19 |
| Omega Phi Beta, Student Organization |
| Clemmie Harris, Associate Professor of History |
| Joanne Pluff, Associate Director of Admissions / Recruitment & Strategies |
| 2018 Award Winners |
| Hermina Garic, Sociology / Anthropology, B.A. '19 |
| Theta Phi Alpha, Student Organization |
| John Johnsen, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs |
| 2017 Award Winners |
| Shkumbin Halabadu, Government & Politics, B.A. '17 |
| Gay-Straight Alliance, Student Organization |
| Suzanne Richardson, Assistant Professor of English |
| 2016 Award Winners |
| Amarildo Ceka, Management, MBA '19 |
| Black Student Union, Student Organization |
| Kathryn Silva, Assistant Professor of History |
| 2015 Award Winners |
| Elaine Paravati, Psychology, B.S. '15 |
| Africa in Motion, Student Organization |
| Alane Varga, Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion |
| 2014 Award Winners |
| Chochanmyei Oo, Economics, B.A. '14 |
| Omega Phi Beta, Student Organization |
| Damian Paco Santiago, Pioneer Grill Cook |
| 2013 Award Winners |
| Janice Tran, Management, B.S. '12 |
| Johnni Mahdi, Director of HEOP |
| 2012 Award Winners |
| Anthony De La Rosa, Management, B.S. '12 |
| Halina Lotyczewski, Assistant Director of Career Services |
| 2011 Award Winners |
| Anthony O'Hagan, Journalism, B.S. '11 |
| Helen Blouet, Professor of Anthropology |
| 2010 Award Winners |
| Suhayl Santana, Internatonal Studies, B.A. '11 |
| Arthur Langdon, Executive Chief |
| 2009 Award Winners |
| Anthony O'Hagan, Journalism, B.S. '11 |
| Joanne Hathaway, Senior Secretary for the Library |
| Todd Hutton, Utica College President |
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