Diversity Programs

The diversity awards this year were very competitive. Most of the applicants could serve as a model for other institutions. There were 12 total entries – only two entries were questioned as diversity awards. Most of the applicants provided measureable outcomes, established creativity and innovation, and supported the mission of the institution and school. The selection committee selected one grand gold and a second as a gold award winner.

Recruitment and Retention Programs

Grand Gold Medal

Virginia Military Institute

• VMI was established as an all male military college in 1839. However in 1997, VMI began accepting women into the corps. As you can imagine, the number of applicants has historically been small. This effort was to increase the number of female recruits into VMI. Since the beginning of the dedicated effort, VMI has increase the percent of females by 28 percent from an average of 82 women to 114 women. Equally important, early applications increased from females to 56 percent. This effort is a definite diversity niche that was focused and successful.

Special Events

Gold Medal

California State University, Fullerton

• Fullerton saw a need to highlight its Latino alumni and created a special traveling photo exhibit. These exhibits “Querer es Poder”(Spanish for “if you desire it, you can achieve”) featured three opening events at Santa Ana City Hall, Irvine City Hall, and Fullerton City Hall (and now permanently at the university’s library) to pay tribute to the university’s successful Latino alumni, as well as to inspire others to reach for higher education. This was the first time Latino alumni had been honored in such a way. The program helped to education the public while embracing a culture that may be the majority by 2017.