Local Leaders and Organizations Celebrated at Rock Valley College's Annual DEI Awards

Rock Valley College hosted its 3rd Annual Eagle Awards for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Excellence on April 26, 2024. The event recognized ten individuals and two organizations for their contributions in areas like Student, Faculty, Staff, Community Partner, and Distinguished Service. The ceremony showcased the college's commitment to creating an inclusive environment.

Mr. Keith Barnes, the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Rock Valley College, spoke about the college's DEI initiatives. He compared these efforts to the college's women's basketball team's performance, emphasizing the need for a deep understanding of both. The college held various events throughout the year to promote diversity and inclusion.

Key initiatives included the first Fall Neurodiversity Symposium, aimed at raising neurodiversity awareness, and a Poverty Simulation event with The Hunger Coalition to highlight the challenges of poverty. The Aspire New Student Orientation was designed to help underserved students adjust to college life and succeed.

Results from campus climate surveys conducted in fall 2023 for employees and spring 2024 for students indicated a high level of inclusivity and engagement among diverse student groups. These results affirm the effectiveness of the college’s DEI policies.

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