DEI Certificate Program Celebrates First Graduates

DEI Certificate Program cohort participants gain an increased awareness of the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion, and the opportunity to develop tools and strategies to enhance success and belonging in academic and workplace settings. 

Over the course of the academic year, participants were required to complete seven core workshops, at least three elective classes, and a capstone research project and presentation to earn their DEI Certificate. Course topics ranged from generational diversity, disability awareness and socioeconomic diversity to veterans, cultural differences, religious diversity, understanding Title IX and more.

“In order for us to serve students better, we need to be more well-versed in terms of DEI with one another as colleagues,” explained Crystal McCormick Ware, chief diversity officer and senior advisor to the president for diversity, equity and inclusion.

The 30 inaugural cohort graduates from across the University are:

• Robert Andrews, enrollment management
• Tracie Ballock, Gumberg Library
• Taj Aya Barnes, admissions
• Karina Chavez, Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education]
• Stacie Conto, donor relations
• Giovan Cuchapin, Spiritan Campus Ministry
• Amanda Dabbs, marketing and communications
• Ryan Dawson, Office of Human Resources
• Jefferson Dedrick, Office of Human Resources
• Dr. James Drennen, School of Pharmacy
• Hali Evans, McAnulty College of Liberal Arts
• Robert Goffeney, Computing & Technology Services
• CJ Green, admissions
• Dr. Janie Harden Fritz, McAnulty College of Liberal Arts
• Chief Eric Holmes, Public Safety
• Dr. Valerie Harper, Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University
• Tracy Jackson, marketing and communications
• Patricia Lee, Office of Human Resources
• Melanie Lyons, Office of the Chief Diversity Officer and Office of the President
• Crystal McCormick Ware, chief diversity officer and senior advisor to the president for diversity, equity and inclusion
• Chris Orawiec, Computing & Technology Services
• Dr. Renee Prater, College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Tamia Pringle, Spiritan Division
• Dr. Alia Pustorino, Center for Community Engaged Teaching and Research
• Jennifer Smith, Center for Student Involvement
• Sarah Sperry, alumni engagement
• Quincy Stephenson, Student Life
• Paula Sweitzer, Environmental Health & Safety
• Dana Whatley Smith, Office of Human Resources
• William Zilcosky, facilities administration.

“We’re really excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for this graduating class,” McCormick Ware said. “My goal is that this first group and all cohorts will go out into the institution and be a part of other components of diversity, equity and inclusion."

“I would love to thank President Gormley for believing in this vision, as well as Cabinet and the Spiritans,” McCormick Ware added.

Watch the new DEI Certificate Program testimonial video online.

Learn more about the DEI Certificate Program and diversity at Duquesne.