President's Award for Diversity Goes to Lesa Clark

President John Broderick and the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity recognized students, faculty, administrators, staff and community members who were named Diversity Champions throughout the year during a luncheon on campus April 19.

During the program, the President's Award for Diversity was presented to Lesa Clark, assistant dean with the Office of Intercultural Relations, as the Diversity Champion who most exemplifies inclusive excellence at Old Dominion.

As noted by the selection committee: "In her earlier position as director of the Hugo Owens Cultural Center and in her present role as assistant dean of intercultural relations, Ms. Clark has worked with an amazing cohort of students, faculty and administrators to bring Inclusive Excellence to ODU. Her pioneering work in the founding the Diversity Institute has transformed the lives of several ODU students. As head of the Office of Intercultural Relations, she leads an excellent staff of professionals who are both knowledgeable and accessible."

The following student award winners from the past year were recognized during the luncheon: Matthew French, Ian Jones, Connor Norton, Harrison Okin and Katerina Oskarsson.

Three faculty Diversity Champions from 2011-12 were recognized: Mona Danner, Frank Day and Maria Fornella.

Diversity Champions who were selected for their service to the greater Hampton Roads community were honored as well: Guang-Lea Lee, associate professor of teaching and learning at ODU; Ricardo Melendez and Todd Rosenlieb, of the TR Dance Center; and De Sube, coordinating director of the LGBT Center of Hampton Roads.

The Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity has been recognizing individual Champions of Diversity on a monthly basis since last November. The award is designed to honor and celebrate individuals who encourage and advance the principles of equity and diversity.