Written by Devon Mitchell
On Friday, April 16, the Roanoke College Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) honored students, faculty, and staff, and alumni for their hard work and dedication in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity with the Kenneth R. Garren Excellence in Diversity Award.
This prestigious award was presented to recipients at the 21st Annual Heritage Ball, which OMA Director Natasha Saunders said gave them “time to reflect on all that it has embodied for so many students who have become family through OMA.”
In total, 25 members of the Roanoke College community were honored. The Garren Diversity Faculty and Staff Awards were awarded to eight faculty and staff members who demonstrated excellence in manifesting diversity, equity, and inclusion in various aspects of the Roanoke College community and beyond. Two positive contributors to Roanoke College were awarded the Garren Diversity Award.
Twelve students and three student organizations were also recognized at the ceremony. Upperclassmen Snigdha Somani, Shania Glover, Troy Crawley, Aspyn Totten, and Michelle Ogutu were awarded the Garren Upperclassmen Award. Freshmen and sophomores Amaia Boykin, Rosemarie Barnes-Lilye, and Anna Pickard were awarded the Garren Diversity Rising Star Award. Jordan Robinson, Aaron Rogers, Tatiana Cherry-Santos, and Shakil Persad were awarded the Garren Diversity Maxine Fitzgerald Trailblazer Award for their work as pioneers and innovators. The Garren Student Organization Award was awarded to the Campus Activities Board, the Black Student Alliance, and Lambda Alliance.
Congratulations to the individuals and organizations who were honored. The Roanoke College community continues to grow in diversity because of their diligence.
