{"id":4537,"date":"2023-04-28T09:53:18","date_gmt":"2023-04-28T14:53:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/equity-inclusion\/?p=4537"},"modified":"2023-05-04T16:03:46","modified_gmt":"2023-05-04T21:03:46","slug":"may-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/community-belonging\/2023\/04\/may-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"May 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"

MAY REFLECTIONS FROM THE INTERIM VICE PRESIDENT FOR EQUITY AND INCLUSION\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Greetings Friends,<\/span><\/p>\n

I cannot believe the academic year is ending. We are officially in May! This year has flown by. Before I provide an update, I want to highlight our college\u2019s second Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Symposium. \"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Thank you again to those who took the time to participate in this signature event.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0We had 230 attendees, including students, faculty, staff, and alumni come together around our theme of \u201cWe are Better Together,\u201d featuring Mary David, our keynote speaker. Ms. David spoke on \u201cReshaping Perception: How Expanding Our Vision Expands Our Potential.\u201d\u00a0 Following the keynote, we transitioned into two rounds of educational sessions.<\/span><\/p>\n

During our tasty lunch three members of our community were recognized for their work and commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by receiving the 2023 <\/span>Equity and Inclusion Leadership and Service Award<\/span>. In addition to the beautiful plaques they were awarded $500. It was such a pleasure honoring Justin Fleming, Senior Associate Dean of Students, Maggie Broner, Professor of Spanish and Co-Director for the Center for Innovation in Liberal Arts; and student Aidan Lloyd \u201924 for his work with the Oles Against Inequality (OAI) Barbershop).<\/span><\/p>\n

We transitioned into another set of educational sessions, had space for the community to mix and mingle and then closed the day with roundtables and professional development sessions. I would like to thank so many of you for making this event happen, including Marketing and Communications, Events Team, Symposium Planning Committee, members of the Council for Equity and Inclusion, our presenters, Bon Appetit for preparing a delicious spread, Equity and Inclusion student workers, President Anderson for his leadership, and Marina Edlund for all of her support!<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Thank you for supporting the efforts of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on the Hill!<\/span><\/p>\n

I wish each of you a wonderful month of May as you finish classes and wrap up the academic year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Congratulations Seniors!<\/span><\/p>\n

Finish Strong and remember We are Better Together.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Reginald Miles\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\n

Highlights for the Month of May<\/b><\/p>\n

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month<\/span><\/p>\n

May 2 – Hmong Story Cloth Workshop<\/span><\/p>\n

May 5- Cinco de Mayo<\/span><\/p>\n

May 14- Mother\u2019s Day\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

May 29- Memorial Day\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
Meet Members of Our Community:\u00a0<\/b><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Staff Spotlight<\/b><\/h5>\n

Name: Roy Cady-Kimble<\/b>
\nPosition:<\/b>\u00a0 Assistant Dean of Admissions<\/span>
\n<\/span>From:<\/b>\u00a0 Casper, Wyoming<\/span>
\n<\/span>Education: <\/b>B.A. Political Science, Carleton College<\/span>
\nM.A. Higher and Postsecondary Education, Columbia University<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \n
      \n
    1. \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>When did you start your St. Olaf journey?\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      January 2021<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Why did you want to work at St. Olaf College?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Leaving Northfield after undergrad to study in the biggest city in the country, I left behind many of the benefits that I had come to enjoy about a global community in a small town. While I had access to so much in New York, I found that organic connections, human kindness and engagement across differences actually became harder, not easier. I had taken for granted the fact that in Northfield, at both Carleton and St. Olaf, there are many fewer professional silos preventing staff, faculty and students from engaging in work together–the good work and the hard work. Additionally, I was coming off of three years working in crisis management in Residence Life at Columbia University. Talk about stress! I have all the respect in the world for the people who do that work, but I knew that I wanted to come back to Minnesota and that I wanted to work in an area of higher ed that captured the excitement and potential of the college experience. The fact that the position I found was in Northfield is a stellar bonus, and I have loved coming to the Hill every day since.<\/span><\/p>\n

          \n
        1. \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>What do you enjoy most about working in the office of admissions?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          I love the team that works in the Office of Admissions & Financial Aid, first and foremost. The beauty of the work is that it is so connected to education policy, trends in college-going behaviors, and connections to schools across the country and the world. There is never a dull day in our office, and we are constantly discussing ways to better serve students, communicate the value of a St. Olaf education, and learn what is important to the Class of 2027, 2028, etc… Everyone in the office is dedicated to this work, and the curiosity and determination that they display continuously inspires me.<\/span><\/p>\n

            \n
          1. \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>What is your definition of an inclusive community?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            To me, inclusion is the part of DEI where the real benefits begin for the whole community. It is one thing to serve a diverse student body at St. Olaf, and it is quite another to create inclusive offices, processes, and communities on the Hill. An inclusive community celebrates and serves students the way that they wish to be served based on the rich identities and experiences they hold. This community must also question things that have historically “worked,” but perhaps didn’t take into account the fact that postsecondary education in America has served the “privileged few” of society for the majority of its history. I also believe that the concept of “belonging” is an aspiration we should all be striving toward. Are we serving everyone inclusively, or are we going the extra mile to create a sense of community and wellbeing that can allow <\/span>all<\/i><\/b> students to not only survive, but thrive?<\/span><\/p>\n

              \n
            1. \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>From the hundreds of applications you read this season can you briefly share one that stood out<\/b> to you?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              My favorite essay this year came from a student who commented at length on the plight of the humble cicada. Throughout a page and a half this student used the cicada, a hibernating insect, as a microcosm to reflect on morality, strength of will, curiosity, and a myriad of other big ideas. I always love when an essay uses a “microcosm,” or a small piece of the student’s experience, and blows it up to encompass and describe the massive questions and reflections that come up in the first 18 years of life. To see deep engagement on the scale as small as a single bug is a great indication to me that this student would thrive when considering even bigger possibilities (no shade to the entomologists in the community!)<\/span><\/p>\n

                \n
              1. \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>No one knows that I<\/b>\u2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                Play Dungeons and Dragons with a large contingent of the Admissions staff! I always get excited when a student brings up tabletop RPGs, and I think that they are an underrated avenue for community, problem-solving skills and simply getting out of your comfort zone. For those who are interested, I play a hobbit-like rogue named Beanard!<\/span><\/p>\n

                 <\/p>\n

                President’s Leadership Team (PLT) Spotlight<\/strong><\/h5>\n

                \"\"Name: <\/b>Enoch Blazis
                \nPosition:<\/b> Vice President for Advancement
                \nAreas Responsible for<\/strong>: Fundraising, alumni and parent engagement, career counseling (The Piper Center for Vocation and Career), and the supporting operations of these areas. Advancement has 49 staff members in seven offices\/departments.
                \nFrom: <\/b>Springfield, IL\u2026The Land of Lincoln
                \nEducation: <\/b>B.S. Mathematics, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

                1. \u00a0 \u00a0 When did you start your St. Olaf journey ?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                March of 2009<\/p>\n

                2. \u00a0 \u00a0 Why did you want to work at St. Olaf College?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                Along with the many appealing things about this place- a storied institution with a beautiful campus supported by a great community,\u00a0 the main reason I wanted to work at St Olaf is because I thought I could make an impact.\u00a0 Fourteen years later, I believe the same to be true or I wouldn\u2019t be here.<\/p>\n

                3. \u00a0 \u00a0 What do you enjoy most serving as Vice President for Advancement?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                Working with the team that I have and producing results that help drive the College forward.<\/p>\n

                4. \u00a0 \u00a0 What is your definition of an inclusive community?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                An inclusive community is one in which people are accepted for who they are and respect others for who they are.\u00a0 I also believe part of this is that you have to take responsibility for being a productive member of the community who contributes to it in a positive way and upholds the values of the community.<\/p>\n

                5. \u00a0 \u00a0 Define your leadership style.<\/strong><\/p>\n

                My leadership style has been developed from my experiences in athletics, in the military serving as a Marine Officer, in the private sector as a consultant and entrepreneur, and in Higher-Ed doing advancement work. \u00a0 Based on these experiences, I know that people are central to an enterprise and how well they work together is absolutely critical to its success.\u00a0 As a leader, you have to respect your people, support them, set expectations and have accountability.\u00a0 And by doing this yourself, set the example for them.<\/p>\n

                6. \u00a0 \u00a0 What is your recommendation for aspiring leaders?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                Communicate what needs to be done and why and engage your team in coming up with solutions to problems and developing the plan of action. Then, look to your team members to play their roles in getting things done.\u00a0\u00a0I would also recommend striving to lead by example.\u00a0 In order to do this, develop a good sense of self-awareness and be open to hearing feedback about yourself.\u00a0 Your actions as a leader\u2013 no matter what level\u2013 has ripple effects so you want to put forward your best authentic self.<\/p>\n

                7. \u00a0 \u00a0 No one knows that I\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

                I hold no secrets.\u00a0 That said, I enjoy fly fishing, the visual arts and just being outside when I have the chance.<\/p>\n

                \n

                Updates<\/b><\/p>\n

                Enhanced Recruitment of Tenure Track Faculty of Color:<\/b><\/p>\n

                It has been such a wonderful experience working across the college with a variety of departments in meeting with each tenure track candidate. During 2021-2022, we had four tenure track appointments of faculty with diverse backgrounds. This year (2022-2023), we made 15 tenure track appointments and eight represent domestic racial diversity and international scholars.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Congratulations to all search committees for increasing our racial diversity.<\/span><\/p>\n

                \"\"BIPOC Alumni from the 90s and others returned to campus in late April:<\/b><\/p>\n

                BIPOC Alumni from the 90s and others returned to campus to hear updates on diversity, equity, and inclusion,\u00a0 learn about new changes at the college, and engage with current students during this two-day event. Big thanks to Regent Sean Burress, Dr. Lolita King,\u00a0 Bryan Bass, and the Alumni and Parent Relations Team for hosting.<\/span><\/p>\n

                Bias Response Team- Seeking Two Faculty Representatives<\/b><\/p>\n

                The Bias Response Team is responsible for the initial evaluation of all reports of Prohibited Conduct the College receives. During this initial evaluation, the Bias Response Team will determine if the College should proceed with disciplinary procedures or in a case where there is no policy violation, discuss other relevant procedures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                We are seeking faculty representatives to serve as part of the advisory group which meets once a month to discuss our bias incident reports (August-May).\u00a0 If you would like to nominate yourself or a colleague, please email Marina Edlund at <\/b>edlund1@stolaf.edu<\/b><\/a> by May 19.<\/b><\/p>\n

                Co-Creating an Inclusive Community Initiative<\/b><\/p>\n

                On April 17 and 18, our initiative was concluded, with two divisions (Student Life and Advancement) and one academic department (Education) sharing actions within their units prompted by the initiative and participants invited to make recommendations on the DEI priorities the college should pursue next.\u00a0 A big thanks to Student Life, Advancement, Education and for those who participated in these sessions. Explore<\/a> what your colleagues have done across campus. <\/span>More to come in Fall 2023.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                \n

                Upcoming Dates<\/b><\/h4>\n

                \"\"Lavender Senior Celebration<\/span><\/p>\n

                May 10, Private Event<\/span><\/p>\n

                The Lavender Senior Celebration is a private cultural celebration that recognizes LGBTQIA+ students of all races and ethnicities and acknowledges their achievements and contributions to the College.<\/span><\/p>\n

                Contact Damian Waite with any questions or to RSVP<\/span><\/p>\n

                Multicultural Senior Celebration<\/span>
                \n<\/span>May 11, 4:30 p.m., The Pause Mane Stage<\/span>
                \n<\/span>Contact Norma Charlton with any questions<\/span><\/p>\n

                International Senior Celebration<\/span>
                \n<\/span>May 12, 4 p.m., The Ballrooms<\/span>
                \n<\/span>Contact Brisa Zubia with any questions<\/span><\/p>\n

                First Generation Senior Celebration<\/span>
                \n<\/span>May 15, 4 p.m., Thorson Lawn<\/span>
                \n<\/span>Contact Damian Waite with any questions<\/span><\/p>\n

                Posse Scholars Senior Celebration<\/span>
                \n<\/span>May 27, 12 p.m., Art Barn<\/span><\/p>\n

                 <\/p>\n

                Stay Close<\/b><\/h5>\n
                Your next DEI Newsletter will be available in August 2023<\/b><\/h5>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                MAY REFLECTIONS FROM THE INTERIM VICE PRESIDENT FOR EQUITY AND INCLUSION\u00a0\u00a0 Greetings Friends, I cannot believe the academic year is ending. We are officially in May! This year has flown […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8076,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4537","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-update"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p8Im76-1bb","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/community-belonging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4537","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/community-belonging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/community-belonging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/community-belonging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8076"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/community-belonging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4537"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/community-belonging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4537\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4556,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/community-belonging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4537\/revisions\/4556"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/community-belonging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4537"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/community-belonging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4537"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/community-belonging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4537"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}