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Indianapolis, Ind. – ������Ƶ recognized faculty and staff from its 19 campuses across the state with the annual President’s Spirit of Diversity Awards, which celebrate individuals who go above and beyond their regular duties to nurture a sense of belonging on their campuses and in their communities.

One winner from this pool was selected for the William R. Goins Spirit of Diversity Award, a statewide honor named after the late former ������Ƶ State Trustee that championed diversity, equity and belonging while leading the College through a successful transition from Indiana Vocational Technical College to the institution it is today – now Indiana’s largest postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system.

������Ƶ also administered an Alumni Spirit of Diversity Award and a Community Partner Spirit of Diversity Award.

“With nearly 200,000 students and 6,500 faculty and staff across the State of Indiana, ������Ƶ is Indiana’s most diverse postsecondary institution, and we recognize the need to create campus communities where all of our students feel respected and like they belong here,” said Amber M. Williams, vice president for diversity, equity and belonging at ������Ƶ. “Bill Goins worked tirelessly to advance diversity initiatives to better serve our students, staff and community, and we’re proud to recognize the individuals and organizations that are going above and beyond to enrich the student experience and support student success.”

The 2024 statewide award winners are:

William R. Goins Spirit of Diversity Award Winner
Aaron Schneider, director of career coaching, ������Ƶ South Bend/Elkhart

Schneider’s multifaceted contributions to promoting diversity, equity, and belonging surpass the normal expectations of his role. His proactive involvement in a wide range of initiatives, from speaking engagements to community outreach efforts, reflects his genuine passion for creating inclusive environments where all individuals feel valued and respected.

Alumni Spirit of Diversity Award Winner
Chaka Coleman, director of legislative affairs, Paganelli Law Group

Coleman demonstrates commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and belonging for her exceptional achievements and contributions to the legal and civic communities. As a graduate of ������Ƶ's Paralegal Studies Program and later earning a doctorate of jurisprudence from the Robert H. McKinney School of Law, Coleman exemplifies dedication and excellence in her field. Her commitment to civic engagement is evident through her role on the City of Carmel Mayor's Advisory Commission on Human Relations, where she actively worked toward promoting inclusivity and addressing barriers to civic participation.

Community Partner Spirit of Diversity Award Winner
RecycleForce

Since 2006, RecycleForce has safely recycled more than 65 million pounds of electronic waste while providing training, certifications, job placement services and supports such as mentoring, tutoring and counseling to nearly 1,200 formerly incarcerated individuals, many of whom go on to complete education and skills training at ������Ƶ.

President’s Spirit of Diversity Award Winners
Please click here to view faculty and staff winners representing each of ������Ƶ’s 19 campuses across Indiana.

Winners were nominated by ������Ƶ campuses and selected by an independent judging panel facilitated by Thomas P. Miller and Associates. Each winner will receive a $2,500 grant to further diversity, equity and belonging at ������Ƶ and in their communities.

Learn more about the William R. Goins Spirit of Diversity Award here. Photos of the winners and the June 5 recognition event are available upon request.