North Park’s Office of Diversity and Intercultural Life honored student leaders, faculty, and staff for their diversity at its Annual Multicultural Celebration. Due to Covid-19, the event took place online this year on Facebook Live. University leaders handed out awards for Multicultural Student Leader, Champion of Diversity, and the Office of Diversity and Intercultural Life Director’s Award.
The Multicultural Student Leader recognition honors graduating seniors who are currently or previously executive members of North Park’s cultural clubs; student workers with at least one and a half years of service in the Collaboratory or the Office of Diversity; or prior Diversity Representatives in the Student Government Association.
Student award recipients included: Sheyla Castellanos, Mara Franzen, Ashorina Houma, Elena Lawando, Hannah Lewis, Elsie McConaughey, Shalini Mody, Kosi Okeke, and Esther Upturi.
Highlighting North Park’s faculty, staff, and administration, the Champion of Diversity Award is presented to those who have conducted exceptional work in the areas of interculturalism, restorative justice, or racial reconciliation. Richard Kohng and Dr. Gwendolyn “Dr. P” Purifoye each received the Champion of Diversity Award for their contributions and leadership.
The Office of Diversity and Intercultural Life Director’s Award recognizes a person or group’s involvement in fostering an inclusive and intercultural campus culture.
This year, the award went to North Park’s Women’s Basketball Team, honoring: Head Coach Amanda Crockett; Assistant Coach Annie Shain; Graduate Assistant Coach Sam Ervin; and players Lauryn Alba Garner, Esther Miller, Angelina Villasin, Alana Santos, Sinead Molloy, Jacki Rapp, Lauren Lee, Kendra Jackson, Emily Czuhajewski, Tyra Walker, Zakiya Newsome, Josie Summerville, Kayla Patterson, Nicole Hansen, Alisha Panthier, Yesenia Rodriguez, and Jayla Johnson.
