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May 2024 Message from the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
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every voice
Community Message from Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
MAY 2024
Dear Adelphi Community,

Congratulations to all our Class of 2024 graduates who have worked so hard to earn their degrees and advance to the next phase of their professional careers. I’d also like to thank Adelphi faculty and staff who have supported and created an exceptional learning environment to help our students succeed inside and outside the classroom. It has been a wonderful week of graduation celebrations.  

As the spring semester ended, I was proud to attend several events, such as the Lavender and Multicultural Graduation, Brown and Gold Awards Ceremony, the
Center for African, Black and Caribbean Studies Scholastic Awards Ceremony, and the Senior Brunch and Parent Awards. These events were an incredible display of inclusive excellence, campus and community leadership, and student empowerment.

Over the past month, we also recognized many students for their leadership and engagement in support of our DEIB efforts, and honored Linda Jean-Louis, University registrar, with the President’s Award for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.


Our united campus community has continued to advance the University’s efforts to foster an inclusive, welcoming and vibrant learning environment. This year has been a testament to our collective resilience and commitment, filled with challenging national and world events, opportunities to express diverse views and opinions, and celebrations and milestones that will forever be cherished in our hearts.


As we embark on a well-deserved summer break, let's look forward to the upcoming fall semester with anticipation. I am excited about the fantastic work we will do together to further contribute to a more inclusive, global and flourishing Adelphi community. 

Best regards,
Sentwali Bakari, PhD
Vice President for Student Affairs and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
 
Celebrations of the Season
Lavender and Multicultural Graduation

Among Adelphi’s pre-Commencement ceremonies, this year’s Lavender and Multicultural Graduation recognized our LGBTQIA+ students and students of color as well as students who participated in CSTEP and the Mentoring Program, which are run by the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. Highlights of the event included speeches by Ren Blake, our Lavender graduate spotlight; Jolisa Lynch, our Multicultural graduate spotlight; and Tekhira Francis, representing both CSTEP and the Mentoring Program. Lydia Neely ’14, co-vice chair of the Alumni Advisory Council, and Lisa de Castillo ’07, MSW ’09, events chair for the Multicultural Alumni Chapter, shared inspiring remarks with the Class of 2024 graduates who attended.

Center for African, Black and Caribbean Studies (CABC) Scholastic Awards Ceremony

The Center for African, Black and Caribbean Studies held its Annual Scholastic Awards Ceremony on May 10 to recognize the academic achievements of graduates with minors in African, Black and Caribbean Studies. Awardees included students Luis Merino-Ibarra (President’s Student Leadership Award) and Kyana Clea Gordon (Africana Studies Senior Scholastic Award). The Community Engagement Award was presented to Barbara Q. McElroy, and Fayola L. Charlet was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award.

BreaKING the Ice: Black Men's Mental Health and Wellness Conference  

The School of Social Work welcomed 300 attendees to the third annual BreaKING the Ice: Black Men's Mental Health and Wellness Conference: Policy, Implementation and Practice in the Face of Social Injustice on April 27. Anthony Estreet, PhD, CEO of the National Association of Social Workers, delivered the keynote address. Among the meaningful conversations about policy development, practice, mental health, prevention, intervention and education held throughout the day, a fireside chat featured legislators, community organizations and executive leaders. The event was led by Schanica Pickens, assistant dean of student affairs and director of the Master of Social Work program, along with co-chair Arron Muller, MSW ’12, CEO of Modify Wellness Inc., and Alain Berrouet, director of intergovernmental affairs for the New York City Department of Education.
Adelphi’s First Mx. AUniverse Pageant

On April 20, the Asian Students Intercultural Alliance hosted a night of charisma, talent and cultural pride at Adelphi University's first Mx. AUniverse Pageant! Students representing all countries and gender identities were welcomed to participate as contestants, with Jessica Diaz, Miss Peru, taking home the Mx. AUniverse crown. Ms. Guyana, Alana Bernstein, was runner-up, and Miss Trinidad and Tobago, Siena Maria Charles, earned the title of Miss Congeniality.

Pride Month Comes Early to Adelphi

On May 2, the Multicultural Center and Adelphi Pride Committee hosted Adelphi’s annual Pride March and Festival. The event was held ahead of Pride Month in June while classes were still in session so that as many community members as possible could participate.

Cultural and Religious Dates
See a calendar of cultural commemoration and awareness dates and our Interfaith Center's online list of religious observance dates.
Resources for Support and Connection

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) — Support resources are free for all employees. Call 877.622.4327 or visit MyCigna.com.

Interfaith Center — A welcoming space for individuals of any faith who seek spiritual guidance and support. Call 516.877.3113 or email auinterfaith@adelphi.edu.

Multicultural Center — An inclusive environment for cross-cultural interaction that fosters and affirms all individuals, the center is open to all community members.

Student Counseling Center — Call 516.877.3646 or email scc@adelphi.edu for counseling or support.  

DEIB Open Office Hours

Meet with Vice President Bakari on Wednesdays between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Contact Cathy Harrison for an appointment.

Meet with Assistant Vice President Chotsani Williams West, EdD, MA ’07, on Wednesdays between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Contact Charlene Mayers for an appointment.

Share Your Thoughts

Send an email to the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.
Locations: Garden City • Hauppauge • New York City (Brooklyn) • New York's Hudson Valley • Online
adelphi.edu800.ADELPHI

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