2006 Diversity Award Winners

Clemmie E. Gilpin — 2007 Penn State Harrisburg Faculty Diversity Award
Nancy Leister — 2007 Penn State Harrisburg Staff Diversity Award

Clemmie E. Gilpin
Assistant Professor of Community Systems and Afro-American Studies
School of Behavioral Sciences and Education
2006 Penn State Harrisburg Faculty Diversity Award

To recognize and reward a faculty member who has demonstrated a commitment to celebrating diversity be initiating steps to create a welcoming environment and/or eliminate discrimination through encouragement or understanding between persons of different races, sexes, age groups, ethnicity, religious heritage, disability, or sexual preference.

In nominating Clem Gilpin for the Diversity Award, one longtime faculty member summed up the feelings of other nominators by stating, "I can think of no one on our campus more deserving of this award."

For more than 30 years, Dr. Gilpin has dedicated himself to fostering students’ understanding of others — across cultures, races, ethnicity, religion, and gender. He serves as the faculty adviser to the International Affairs Association and to the Black Student Union and has been the driving force behind a great deal of the international and intercultural programming at Penn State Harrisburg, from dance groups, to dinners, to guest speakers, and even to student poetry readings.

His most lasting and longest-running commitment is the Model United Nations which brings more than 300 high school students to campus each year. Dr. Gilpin was the founding force of the event on campus — 34 years ago — and he continues to nurture its development and success today.

In nominating Dr. Gilpin, another faculty member states, "I strongly believe that he is an important part of our faculty for preparing our students for a global way of living by teaching them multiculturalism, globalization, and the significance of raising their tolerance and acceptance levels to be successful once they join the workforce."

He has taught a comprehensive list of courses with diversity-related topics such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, culture, and nationality and continues to set an example for tolerance and understanding.

Nancy Leister
Staff Assistant VI
Office of Student Activities
2006 Penn State Harrisburg Staff Diversity Award

To recognize and reward a staff member who has demonstrated a commitment to celebrating diversity be initiating steps to create a welcoming environment and/or eliminate discrimination through encouragement or understanding between persons of different races, sexes, age groups, ethnicity, religious heritage, disability, or sexual preference.

Faculty, staff, and students alike singled out Nancy’s dedication to students at the college in their nomination of her for the Diversity Award.

A student emphasizes that "Nancy has spread diversity over Penn State Harrisburg more than anyone I know. She has helped organize events through her office as well as having given advice to students planning their own events. She has touched the lives of many people and instilled the ideals of diversity in students that will last a lifetime."

A staff member echoes those thoughts when she writes, "Nancy is committed to diversity and mentors student clubs and organizations in an effort to ensure equal representation of the student body within the recognized clubs and organizations. Additionally, Nancy is committed to working with our campus’ diverse faculty and staff club and organization advisers to help foster a community of understanding through cultural programming and interaction." Her role in developing the Multicultural Noontime Series on campus was singled out several times as indicative of her commitment to diversity.

One faculty member explains, "Nancy has personal characteristics which are essential in her position. She strives to understand various group and individual needs, shows a sincere willingness to listen and work with each person, communicates well with everyone, and consistently maintains a friendly attitude. She also demonstrates her sensitivity and commitment that each person’s background, beliefs, and ideas are important and encourages all individuals to participate in activities, express themselves, and be open-minded in listening to and respecting each person."

Another longtime faculty member especially praised her work with the International Affairs Association and Black Student Union. "I can recall numerous occasions whereby she has gone far beyond her duties in supporting these organizations," he says. "For instance, she often reminds us that date and room must be scheduled for activities which are repeated annually or informs us of potential programs. Additionally, she has often returned to campus to show support for various events."