2007 Diversity Award Winners

Kamini M. Grahame — 2007 Penn State Harrisburg Faculty Diversity Award
Panna Idowu — 2007 Penn State Harrisburg Staff Diversity Award

Kamini M. Grahame
Assistant Professor of Sociology
School of Behavioral Sciences and Education
2007 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.

For her tireless efforts to improve the climate at Penn State Harrisburg and her equally dedicated outreach to the external community, Kamini M. Grahame easily earns the Faculty Diversity Award.

Dr. Grahame constantly infuses issues related to multiculturalism into her courses as well as her scholarly research. Ethnicity, race, gender, and social class are critical themes in her courses and one nominator adds, "Her expertise in the areas of sociology of globalization has been a welcomed addition to her program as well as to the college."

One fellow faculty member says Dr. Grahame "has shared with me a deep knowledge of issues facing women and minorities in organizations and society at large" and adds "she has been instrumental in improving the women’s studies program at the college and attracting applicants to the area of study." And a student writes, "Dr. Grahame has provided me with much more knowledge than any classroom textbook could present. It is her nondiscriminatory commitment to diversity that has fostered a respect and commitment within me to such issues."

Her record of service to the community includes being a founding member of the Pennsylvania Immigrant and Refugee Women ’s Network, making significant contributions in assisting refugees and immigrants who have recently settled in the Harrisburg area.

Another current student sums up all the endorsements of Dr. Grahame by stating, "Diversity is a challenging ideal for which you have to work every day. To provide safe spaces for different groups of people and allow for growth is a job that needs to be done in more than one front. Dr. Grahame does just that, as a teacher, researcher, community member, and individual, I believe she strives to bring this ideal to life."

Panna Idowu
Special Events Manager
Office of Marketing Communications
2007 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.

Panna Idowu’s willingness to assist students — especially international students — were cited frequently in letters nominating her for the Staff Diversity Award.

Despite her extensive duties for the college, Panna has shown a keen interest in the well-being of international students which greatly surpass any expectations. For a number of years, she has hosted "friendship dinners," holiday meals, and other gatherings with international students, assisting greatly in their acclimation to Penn State Harrisburg.

A recent graduate says, "Panna played a very important role in my life as an international student. Through her friendship and hospitality, she helped me and many others adjust to life in Middletown and America. She exhibits a very welcoming attitude to minority students and internationals, taking a personal interest not just in how we’re doing in school, but in our personal needs as well."

She has collected household items, books, clothing, and toys to share with international students and their families, has assisted with grocery shopping trips and house-hunting, and has even provided transportation. She coordinated a program with a local church at which college international students presented exhibits on their native countries.

Panna understands the dynamics involved in cultural differences and connects well with a diverse body of students. Her office door is always open for students seeking guidance or just a welcoming climate. "People of different ethnic backgrounds warm up to her instantly and approach her with any kind of problem," another student says. "She takes a personal interest in students and is one of the warmest and most understanding people I have come to know at Penn State Harrisburg."

2006 Diversity Award Winners >