Duquesne students from a variety of majors across the University were recognized at the Spirit of Diversity 2024 Celebration for their dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion and commitment to academic excellence.
Quincy Stephenson, executive director of the Center for Excellence in Diversity and
Student Inclusion, and Dr. David Dausey, executive vice president and provost, gave
opening remarks at the April 12 celebration.
City of Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey was the keynote speaker. He became the first Black
mayor of Pittsburgh in 2022 and is tackling pressing issues such as affordable housing,
infrastructure development and advocating for peace in the city. Gainey’s administration
also prioritizes community policing, fostering stronger bonds between law enforcement
and the neighborhoods they serve.
This year’s Spirit of Diversity award winners include:
- Lindsey Harris, senior, psychology and English-writing double major
- Samiya Henry, junior, physics and mechanical engineering double major
- Chispa Kayonga, senior, digital marketing major
- Anna Nguyen, senior, health sciences major
- Elisha Schoeneck, fourth-year physical therapy major
- Marie Navarro Sullivan, senior, environmental science major.
Additionally, the following students were presented with the Dr. Ron L. Swain Award for Social Justice:
- Lei’Asha Battle, junior, nursing major
- Jakobie Green, junior, finance major.
“These students were selected because they embody equity and inclusion on our campus, and they also work very hard in the classroom,” Stephenson said. “This was a difficult decision for us to make because we have so many great students here at Duquesne University who are doing great things.”
Visit the Spirit of Diversity Celebration webpage for more information about the annual event.
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