Columbus State University issued the following announcement on March 24.
Columbus State University’s annual Diversity Forum, which started in 2012 as a partnership between CSU and the Mayor’s Commission on Diversity and Unity, has now grown to include advocates, supporters and groups within the Columbus community and beyond to facilitate conversations about diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
At its Legacy Celebration Dinner Wednesday evening, the opening event for the two-day forum, members of the community were honored with Legacy Awards for their dedicated work in the areas of diversity and inclusion:
For her volunteer work with the Feeding the Valley Food Bank and Mercy Med Farm to combat food insecurity in the community, Tyisha Landers, received the Community Outreach Award.
The W.D. Feeney Award, named for a former CSU student who, as someone who overcame his own impairment, was awarded to Andrew Dorbu for his work with students and faculty to develop classroom technologies to assist those with disabilities
The Goizueta Foundation Scholarship Award was presented to Savina Cortez, the founder of Savina Workshops, which helps kids become successful financially and academically.
Dillon Power was presented with the Lavender Alliance Community Award in honor of his work with CSU’s Pride+ organization to provide an inclusive environment for the LGBTQ community on campus.
Maria Moss received the Alumni Award in recognition of her active involvement in the CSU Black Alumni Council and for facilitating the first Dare to Dialogue forum on campus.
The John Townsend Achievement Award, named for CSU’s first African American student, went to both Eriq Robicheau and Tatiana Grace for maintaining the highest GPA among undergraduate male and female students of African American descent at CSU.
Robert Gill has developed leaders for more than 30, including countless students of color in the STEM majors. For his coaching, advocacy and educating, he was presented with the Outstanding Faculty/Staff Award.
For her work serving as an international ambassador for CSU with several organizations, Vishwabel Patel was honored with the Kiongozi Award for Outstanding International Leadership.
Jordan Johnson, a music major, was selected for the Civic Engagement Award for pioneering CSU’s Black Schwob Society and for encouraging black members in the music culture on campus and in the Columbus community.
The pastor of Fourth Street Baptist Church in Columbus, Rev. Johnny H. Flakes was honored with the Faith-Based & Humanitarian Award. Rev. Flakes helps to build bridges with the faith-based community to help address issues affecting the region.
The Women’s Leadership Award was presented to Gabriella Castleberry for her service to various diversity programs and services, including the National Council of Negro Women, and for serving the a Diversity Peer Educator program.
The Legacy Dinner also featured keynote speaker Darryl M. Bell. Bell is an accomplished executive producer and actor, notably starring as Ron Johnson on NBC’s A Different World, where he discovered his passion for breaking down barriers and telling impactful stories to wide audiences.
The Diversity Forum continues today with sessions spanning a variety of topics of interest to professionals in higher education, social and community services, the faith community and the business sector. Today’s program also features a conversation with Dr. Gail Burgos, a Columbus State alumna, founder and CEO of Burgos Consulting Group Inc., and current executive director of Girls Inc.
The Diversity Forum is an annual program presented by CSU’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. For more information, contact CSU’s Diversity Programs and Services at 706.507.8589 or diversity@columbusstate.edu.
Original source can be found here.
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