MOVING THE NEEDLE

Center for Inclusion and Diversity hosts 2023 Impact Awards

by Matthew Piechalak

The University of San Diego’s Center for Inclusion and Diversity hosted its second annual Diversity and Inclusion Impact Awards Program and Luncheon in February 2023.

The program recognized 12 individuals who have “demonstrated sustained commitment to justice for communities historically marginalized for their race and ethnicity.” All university employees are eligible for the award.

“We are thrilled that the college and all schools are represented this year and we are proud to celebrate our colleagues’ sustained commitment to making USD a more diverse and inclusive community,” said Regina DixonReeves, PhD, vice provost for diversity, equity and inclusion and director at the Center for Inclusion and Diversity.

Sitting among family, friends and colleagues, the 12 recipients — faculty members Jillian Tullis, PhD (College of Arts and Sciences);

Razel Milo, PhD (Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science);

Alison Sanchez, PhD (Knauss School of Business); Necla Tschirgi, PhD (Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies); Roy L. Brooks, JD (School of Law); Susan Lord, PhD (ShileyMarcos School of Engineering); and staff members Rebekka Jez, PhD (School of Leadership and Education Sciences); Hazel Claros,

MA (Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science); April Cash, MA (Knauss School of Business); Frances Laviscount, MS (Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies); Michael Chavez, JD (School of Law); and Elisa Lurkis, MA (pictured, Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering) — received their awards from USD President James T. Harris III, DEd, and Senior Vice President and Provost Gail F. Baker, PhD, along with Dixon-Reeves.

“There are so many people on this campus who are doing outstanding work on behalf of the University of San Diego and our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts,” Harris said during the event. “There is so much work to be done and there will always be more that we can do. Each of these recipients is doing that work and, in the process, is inspiring the rest of us to follow their lead. They are undaunted. They are rolling up their sleeves. They are making changes — changes that move the needle. Changes that confront humanity’s most urgent challenges. Changes that our students, our prospective students and each one of us can see, and hear, and feel in our hearts and in our souls.”

“These are momentous times at USD as we forge our allegiance to underserved and underrepresented groups on our campus and in our community, to future generations of USD students and alumni, so every member of our community can thrive,” Provost Baker said to the audience, prior to recognizing the honorees.

The Impact Award was created in 2021 to honor and recognize the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) on campus. The award was established in response to an open letter written in 2020 by Black faculty members, and highlights the often underrecognized work by those who mentor members of the BIPOC community and contribute to cultural changes on campus and in the community.

The award is also part of The Horizon Project — a five-year plan led by President Harris in collaboration with partners across campus. The project is intended to help build a more inclusive campus community by setting specific strategic goals that touch on strengthening diversity, inclusion and social justice in a more diverse, multicultural and global world.

“Thanks to each of these recipients — and each of you here today,” said Harris. “Thank you for bringing The Horizon Project to life in your own ways through the work you do in the name of this university.”