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Lafayette students, faculty, and organizations were honored for their dedication to academics and the furthering of diversity on campus and in the surrounding community at the annual Diversity Awards Ceremony held April 26 in Pfenning Alumni Center.
According to Michael Benitez Jr., dean of intercultural development and director of the David A. Portlock Black Cultural Center, the ceremony celebrates those who have succeeded in making a difference in the Lafayette community.
“The awards recognize members of the community who, throughout the year, have committed themselves to the advancement of diversity and social pluralism,” says Benitez.
Several of the annual awards are sponsored by Lafayette alumni, including Darlyne Bailey ’74, vice president for academic affairs at Columbia University Teachers College; Eugene Deloatch ’59, dean of the School of Engineering at Morgan State University; Otis Ellis ’89, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter; Leroy D. Nunery ’77, vice president for business services at University of Pennsylvania; Jeffrey D. Robinson ’80, senior partner in the law firm of Baach Robinson & Lewis PLLC, Washington, D.C.; and Riley Temple ’71, partner in the law firm of Halprin and Temple, Washington, D.C., and secretary of Lafayette’s Board of Trustees.
A total of 15 students won awards. They are:
International Student Association (ISA) award. Awarded to a first-year ISA member who has remained active and supported ISA throughout the year.
Felix Forster ’09 (mathematic and economics), Rostock, Germany
Otis Ellis ’89 Scholar Athlete Award. Given to a successful varsity athlete who has achieved an outstanding level of scholarship.
Frank Cortazar ’06 (biochemistry), Miami, Fla.
Darlyne Bailey ’74 Excellence in the Humanities and Social Sciences Award. Presented to a student whose academic/artistic accomplishments reflect an outstanding level of scholarship and advances understanding on an important issue related to diversity.
Stefany Feliciano ’06(English/art), Forest Hills, N.Y.
Dr. Eugene Deloatch ’59 First-Year Achievement Award. Awarded to first-year students in engineering and science with highest GPAs.
Bernadette Balane ’09 (psychology), Plainsboro, N.J.
David A. Dominguez ’09 (mathematics), East Stroudsburg, Pa.
Jeshua Gonzalez ’09 (chemical engineering), Alburtis, Pa.
Dr. Eugene Deloatch ’59 Excellence in Science and Engineering Award. Given tostudents whose academic accomplishments reflect an outstanding level of scholarship.
Ibrahima Bah ’06 (physics/mathematics), Bronx, N.Y.
Tye Murphy ’06 (biology), Columbia, Md.
Paving The Path Award. Presented to a freshman or sophomore who has demonstrated potential for greatness in the years to come.
Alberto Luna ’08, Bronx, N.Y.
Jeffrey Robinson ’80 Leadership Award. Awarded to accomplished students who are also characterized by noteworthy leadership in college activities and student life.
Terese Brown ’07 (economics and business), Bronx, N.Y.
Jocelyn Vargas ’06 (international affairs/Spanish), Corona, N.Y.
Danielle Pollaci ’06 (international affairs), Trenton, N.J.
David A. Portlock Cross-Cultural Relationship Award. Given toa student who has worked diligently to promote cross-cultural relationships on campus, and/or the community.
Nangula Shejavali ’06 (international affairs/Africana studies), Windhoek, Namibia
Riley Temple ’71 Creative/Artistic Citizenship Award. Presented to a student whose creative scholarship in the visual and/or performance arts contributes to knowledge on societal issues of multicultural concern.
Sanda Wijeratne ’06(international affairs/English), Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka
Leroy Nunery ’77 Intellectual Citizenship Award. Awarded to a student whose research on important social, political, or economic issues advances knowledge and involves the student in activities within a community.
Briana Niblick ’06 (civil engineering/German), Hatboro, Pa.
Also honored were Christopher Hunt, assistant director of residence life, who received the Association of Black Collegians (ABC) Recognition Award, and Chawne Kimber, assistant professor of mathematics, who won the Excellence in Diversity Education Award.
Students for Social Justice received the Lafayette Intercultural Networking Council (LINC) award.