Eastern Mennonite University’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion announces the recipients of the Inclusive Excellence Grants for fall 2023 and spring 2024.
The program offers faculty, staff, and students the opportunity to develop ideas that advance opportunities to grow, learn, and belong together. “Inclusive excellence” is a research-based approach that encourages proactive, collaborative steps towards creating a community in which all belong.
These grants are possible thanks to the generosity of Jose Koshy ‘76 and Jean Koshy-Hertzler ‘79. Jose Koshy will deliver the keynote address during EMU’s Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 5, 2024.
Fall 2023
BIPOC-focused Mental Health Three-day Residency with Vincent Jones
This program aims to increase awareness and provide resources for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People Of Color) male athletes, BIPOC students, particularly social work majors, and the wider university community. The program prioritizes creating a safe space for BIPOC students to discuss mental health challenges and learn from an experienced practitioner who understands their cultural context. Additionally, it aims to educate social work students on culturally competent practice and provide insights into professional practice, including working in public schools and graduate school tips.
Award: $1200
Project co-leaders: Carrie Bert, director of athletics; Mikaela Brooks, head women’s lacrosse coach; Deanna Durham, associate professor of social work & sociology, program director – social work; Deanna Reed, regional advancement director; Shannon Dycus, VP of student affairs and dean of students; Rubi Long, student; Kylik Bradshaw, student; Brii Redfearn, student.
The Intersectionality of Sexual Violence and Diversity
Sexual violence disproportionately affects individuals aged 18-34, with women experiencing these crimes most frequently, while men are also affected. Transgender, genderqueer, and nonconforming college students face the highest risk. Women of color are particularly vulnerable, with a significant proportion experiencing sexual violence. We aim to host events that combine education, entertainment, and diverse perspectives to foster respectful and honest conversations. By providing a platform for engaging discussions, we seek to raise awareness, reduce sexual violence on campus, and facilitate healthy exchanges of ideas among participants.
Award: $1200
Project co-leaders: Venissa White, Catherine Rittenhouse; project director; Rehana Franklin, student; Tibby Miller, student; Ashley Mellinger, student; Sarah Moore, student; Jordyn Thompson, student.
Infusing Inclusion through Visual Representation at the EMU House in DC
The Washington Community Scholars’ Center (WCSC) is initiating a project with students to make their living quarters more welcoming by featuring artwork from local artists of underrepresented groups. This effort aims to create an inclusive environment and combat racism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression through visual representations of diversity and solidarity. The artwork is chosen to make all visitors, especially students and their families, feel included and to challenge traditional, dominant symbols. The project is designed to impact inclusivity and acceptance within the community beyond just the current semester.
Award: $1200
Project co-leaders: Ann Butwell, WCSC – associate director of student life and program administration; Ryan Good, associate professor of urban studies, program director – WCSC.
Queer Together Mural
The initiative entails the creation of a mural symbolizing queer inclusion at EMU, serving as a visual testament to the university’s commitment to embracing diversity and cultivating an inclusive culture. Community engagement will be integral to the project, allowing individuals to actively participate and contribute their perspectives. Close collaboration with administrators will ensure the selection of a prominent campus location, effectively highlighting EMU’s dedication to fostering belonging and inclusivity for all members of the community.
Award: $1200
Project co-leaders: August France, student; Will Blosser, student.
Multilingual Affiliate of The Weather Vane: Global Voices
The Weather Vane, EMU’s longstanding campus newspaper, has consistently focused on reflecting the student body’s voices, opinions, and concerns. However, it has historically overlooked the representation of non-English languages within the campus. The newspaper aims to publish a special edition featuring the diverse languages spoken by students, especially those in the Intensive English Program. By highlighting the experiences of these students, who navigate daily life in a language that is not their first, The Weather Vane seeks to enhance understanding of multilingualism and address the complexities of linguistic diversity within the campus community.
Award: $1200
Project co-leaders: Hannah Landis, student; Zack Furr, student.
Extended Family
EMU is collaborating with MFA student Iover Ikeseh to create a mural titled Extended Family on campus. This project explores identity, diversity, and inclusion themes, using the metaphor of family — an institution embodying a broad spectrum of characteristics like gender, race, and beliefs. Although families often struggle with inclusivity, this initiative seeks to counteract that by involving BSA students, Art Club members, and other interested students in the painting process. The resulting mural will use imagery, colors, and designs to represent the diverse identities within the EMU community.
Award: $1200
Project co-leaders: Cyndi Gusler, professor of art; Anna Westfall, associate professor of art.
Celebrating the Harlem Renaissance
The Harlem Renaissance, a cultural, social, and artistic movement that flourished in Harlem, New York, during the 1920s and 1930s, brought together a vibrant community of black writers, artists, musicians, photographers, poets, and scholars. Of Ebony Embers is a chamber music theater production that delves into the lives of African-American artists who played pivotal roles in shaping the Harlem Renaissance. The musical repertoire of Of Ebony Embers features compositions by jazz legends such as Duke Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton, Billy Strayhorn, Thelonius Monk, and Charles Mingus, alongside concert music by composers Jeffrey Mumford and George Walker.
Award: $1200
Project co-leaders: David Berry, associate professor of music; Celeste Thomas, director of multicultural student services.
Increasing Accessibility of Menstrual Hygiene Products on EMU Campus
Students Irais Barrera Pinzon and Isaac North-Sandel are spearheading an initiative at EMU to provide students with free menstrual hygiene products (tampons and pads). They plan to install five dispensers across campus bathrooms, ensuring they are regularly stocked. They are collaborating with local entities, including Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed, to secure support from businesses like CVS and Target and Royal Women for EMU, a group dedicated to women’s issues. Initial funding from the Inclusive Excellence grant will be used to purchase the products and dispensers, aiming to sustain the project beyond their graduation.
Award: $1200
Project co-leaders: Irais Barrera Pinzon, student; Isaac North-Sandel, student.
Spring 2024
Girls & Women in Sports Clinic @ EMU
Over the past one to two years, the EMU Athletic Department has organized a girls and women in sports clinic to empower young females in our community. This event serves as an opportunity to bring together athletics faculty/staff, current students, and young girls from the community. The objective is to impart sports skills to these girls while highlighting how sports can empower females. Recognizing the underrepresentation of women in sports, EMU Athletics is committed to creating spaces where female athletes can excel and inspire the next generation. The aim is to foster mentorship and leadership among females in sports by connecting younger community members with student-athlete role models.
Award: $1070
Project co-leaders: Jenny Posey, head women’s basketball coach; Mikayla Via, student; Mya Hamlet, student.
Cultural Oasis: Creating a Haven for Belonging and Inclusion
Research on cultural centers in higher education has primarily targeted students of color but is increasingly including LGBTQ students. These centers serve as safe spaces at predominantly white institutions where marginalized students often encounter challenges regarding their presence and abilities. The project plans to convert a room in the counseling department into a multipurpose space for marginalized students, featuring study areas, meditation spaces, resource centers, and venues for cultural events and dialogue. This personalized space will cater to the needs of various affinity groups, enhancing inclusivity and fostering a sense of ownership.
Award: $1950
Project co-leaders: Jennifer Cline, assistant professor of counseling; Yenifer Dottin-Carter, student; Fengyi Huang, student; Stormi Nuckoles, student; Nick LaGrua, student.
The EMU Gospel Choir
The recently-reactivated EMU Gospel Choir is seeking financial support to cover expenses for musicians, copyright music, musical equipment, and IT services for performances. Gospel music, deeply rooted in African and African American cultures, provides a safe and culturally resonant space for African American students and allies to engage spiritually. The choir, which does not require auditions, aims to promote inclusivity and diversify EMU’s musical offerings by challenging traditional, predominantly white musical structures. This initiative supports EMU’s strategic priorities of fostering belonging, creating inclusive experiences, and challenging institutional norms.
Award: $1200
Project co-leaders: Mikayla Pettus, student; Celeste Thomas, director of multicultural student services; David Berry, associate professor of music, program director – music.
MLK Jr. Play
Multicultural Student Services, Black Student Alliance, and EMU Theatre are teaming up to produce a play for the MLK events in January 2025, aiming to engage EMU, the community, and the region. This collaborative effort will involve a guest director, preferably an EMU alum, and a diverse cast and crew comprising students, community members, and alums. Several plays are under consideration, including The Meeting by Jeff Stetson, Pass Over by Antoinette Nwandu, and Widows and Warriors by Donna Coles, among others. The final selection will prioritize accessibility, potential community impact, and feasibility within limited budget and time constraints.
Award: $1200
Project co-leaders: Celeste Thomas, director of multicultural student services; Justin Poole, associate professor of theatre, program director – theatre.
The Green Bandana Project
The Green Bandana Project, originating in 2014, began as a response to suicide loss and has since evolved into a dynamic initiative. Student athlete leaders across a conference expressed a desire to bring this project to each campus, recognizing the importance of mental health support. Their vision includes training individuals in Mental Health First Aid on campus and collaborating with key campus stakeholders to impact mental health positively.
Award: $1200
Project co-leaders: Stephanie Roby, athletic trainer; Mike Ramer, residence director; Amber Bonds, student; Kaley Frazier, student.
WCSC Inclusion Training
The WCSC program comprises students from diverse backgrounds, spanning cultural, racial, gender, class, and political spectrums. The grant will fund training sessions on nonviolent communication and conflict resolution for fall 2024 and spring 2025. Led by outside experts Kirstin and Merwyn De Mello, these sessions aim to enhance students’ capacity to navigate conflicts constructively, fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for all residents.
Award: $1200
Project co-leaders: Ann Butwell, WCSC – associate director of student life and program administration; Ryan Good, associate professor of urban studies, program director – WCSC; Dima Kassem, associate director of communications & recruitment – WCSC.
Diversifying EMU Ed. Dept. Bookshelves
EMU recognizes the importance of representation in fostering an inclusive education, so plans to provide around 80 diverse children’s and Young Adult literature for use in course curricula, benefiting students from various backgrounds and majors, including future educators. This initiative aims to combat isolation and ensure that all students can see themselves reflected in their required reading materials.
Award: $1200
Project co-leaders: Trina Trotter Nussbaum, associate director – CIE; Dr. Barbara Wheatley, assistant professor of education; Erika Lopez, student.
Wonderful to see these various initiatives which are providing opportunities to enhance the experiences of an increasingly diverse student body at EMU. This diversity brings a richness that results from seeing the world through another framework similar to the benefit of living in a cross cultural environment.