Dr. Joseph A. Favazza, college president, is pleased to announce the recipients of the Diversity and Inclusion Innovation Fund Awards for the spring semester. The projects proposed are designed to promote diversity and inclusion at Saint Anselm College.
Dr. Diana Sherman, an assistant professor in the education department oversaw the committee of staff, faculty, and students who reviewed and selected the awards.
“These collaborative initiatives, each designed to strengthen inclusiveness at Saint Anselm College, were selected for funding in the spring of 2022,” says Andre Diaz, chief diversity officer. “The college is grateful to Prof. Diana Sherman, Lorraine Parr, and the entire review committee for their serve to our community.”
This year’s Diversity and Inclusion Innovation Fund recipients include:
Anselmian B.R.E.A.K. submitted by Saylor Garcia, Class of 2024 and Riley Casey, Campus Ministry
This project focuses on providing students with education about Indigenous populations, opportunities for cultural immersion, and a platform for students to engage in post experience advocacy upon return to campus. This program will educate students to learn beyond the limits of the classroom, provide an integrative opportunity for local and global diversity, and a create dialogue for social equity to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of community collaboration and inclusion.
Learn more about Anselmian B.R.E.A.K.
Conexiones Neoyorquinas: Hispanic/LatinX NYC submitted by Elizabeth Fouts and Marigen Learnard, Modern Languages & Literatures
As a culminating experience for the Spanish minor nursing majors, a trip to New York City for the students of SP 400 Senior Seminar: Hispanic Literature and Medicine allows students to experience the rich LatinX and LGBTQ+ history and culture about which they have read so much, as well as experience firsthand the poetry, theater, and art of the Spanish-speaking and LGBTQ+ populations of New York City.
Dawnland: Indigenous NE, submitted by Jennifer Thorn, English and Dianna Terrell, Education
In response to recent legislation and the discovery of the graves of indigenous children who died in Canadian boarding schools, they will increase awareness of the removal of indigenous children from their families and homes in North American history. This two part program begins with the screening of the Emmy-award winning documentary "Dawnland: Erasure and Unerasure of U.S. History” and a public talk by Mishy Lesser of the Upstander Project about the work of Maine's Truth and Reconciliation Committee to address the deep and lingering effects of the state policy of removing children from their homes into the 1970s. The second part is a workshop for New Hampshire teachers/educators to confer in practical terms about how to include indigenous New England in their lesson plans/curriculum, K through 12.
Francophonie Month submitted by Emilie Talpin, Modern Languages & Literatures and Ellery Kraus, Class of 2022
The French program and the French Student Club will bring the Seacoast West African Dance and Drum, to campus for a concert and to teach our community and local high school students about West African drumming and dancing. A community meal will showcase various Francophone foods, and performers from Francophone countries will share their stories.
Overlooked Scientists submitted by Nicole Eyet, Chemistry
Often stories are publicized about those who have received accolades for work that was at least partially carried out by others. Countless stories have gone ‘untold’ by the greater scientific community. Faculty will be encouraged to choose a topic associated with an overlooked or uncredited scientist. The Chemistry Department will purposefully integrate the diversity of scientific achievements into a CH 401 Special Topics course through intentional activities and discussion.
Promoting Awareness of Harmful Stereotypes of Asian American Women in Hollywood submitted by Jennifer Thorn, English and Yihe (Chloe) Peng, Class of 2023
Violence against Asian Americans in the U.S. continues to rise. This event will raise awareness of stereotypes of Asian American women, some of which seem to have shaped the Atlanta spa shootings. Two short films, “Slaying the Dragon” and “Slaying the Dragon, Reloaded," present Hollywood stereotypes in relation to Asian American history (the Chinese Exclusion Act. etc.). The event will focus on what we can do differently in our daily lives. Audience will consist of students in Access Academy classes (i.e., Manchester high school students), as well as Saint Anselm students with a tie-in exhibit at Geisel Library.
The next proposal deadline for the Diversity and Inclusion Innovation Fund will be in April 1, 2022 for fall 2022 projects.