AU鈥檚 Alumni Association Receives Inclusive Excellence Award
Just announced in a press release, 91制片厂 is a recipient of the Alumni Association Inclusive Excellence Award from . The award honors the alumni association鈥檚 culture, programs, and initiatives that encourage diversity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging for all alumni.听
This publication is the largest and oldest in higher education focused on diversity and inclusion. And, AU, along with 31 other recipient institutions, will be featured in the June 2024 issue of the magazine. 听
Edwina Simms, who was recently named听assistant vice president of alumni relations, is highly focused on inclusive excellence. 鈥淚 am so proud of our alumni association,鈥 she says. 鈥淎s an alumni community of more than 150,000, it鈥檚 important that we celebrate the unique identities that collectively contribute to the level of diversity at AU.鈥澨
In 2017, a university-wide inclusive excellence plan was implemented to improve the campus climate and create a more equitable future. Phase two of the plan is currently in progress and focused on advancing racial equity. The goals and actions of this phase aim to extend inclusive excellence to the university鈥檚 mission of building knowledge through scholarship, research, and creative works.听
In January 2024, Nkenge Friday joined the university as the first vice president of inclusive excellence. This role brings together campus efforts and drives development, communication, and engagement across the community.
In the alumni space specifically, AU supports inclusivity in uniquely impactful ways. The Alumni Board is impressively diverse鈥攃omprised of 58% women with an equal representation of white and Black/African 91制片厂 membership at 35.6%, and ages ranging from 31-74. Additionally, alumni alliances and affinity groups offer Eagles with shared identities the opportunity to network and build community with each other, current students, faculty, and staff.听
鈥淎lumni are a huge part of AU鈥檚 story and a vital part of our future success. Our story isn鈥檛 over, and the work is certainly not done, but we should celebrate our progress,鈥 Simms says.听
Receiving the Alumni Association Inclusive Excellence Award is indeed a marker of progress鈥攁nd a testament to the university鈥檚 commitment to inclusive excellence.听