The Office of Diversity and Inclusion will celebrate its inaugural induction to the Inclusive Wall of Honor with a virtual ceremony at noon on Thursday, April 8.
The installation is located outside the Office of Diversity and Inclusion on the third floor of University Hall.
Dr. Willie McKether, vice president of diversity and inclusion and vice provost at UToledo, and Kyndra Gaines, a public health graduate student for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, cut the ceremonial ribbon during the Wall of Honor ceremony.
“I am extremely pleased with the support we have received for the Inclusive Wall of Honor. It is important for all people at the University to feel included and that they can achieve success through hard work and perseverance,” said Dr. Willie McKether, vice president of diversity and inclusion and vice provost at UToledo, “We know belonging and feeling included is critical to retaining our diverse populations of students, faculty and staff.”
“This wall ensures that students see representation on the campus of people similar to them and serves as a reminder of hope and encouragement during their time at The University of Toledo,” said Kyndra Gaines, a public health graduate student for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
The 2020 inductees are:
• Helen Cooks, Ph.D. A trailblazer for African American women on the UToledo campus as a faculty member, advisor, advocate for students of color and founder of the Toledo Excel Program, Cooks has helped more than 1,500 underrepresented minority students.
• Margarita De Leon, M.A., M.B.A. Passionate about improving the human condition of Latino residents in northwest Ohio, which is evident through her activism, mentorship and fundraising efforts, De Leon helped to establish The Diamante Awards and Scholarship Program at UToledo and area higher education institutions.
• Deb Flores, M.P.A. One of the most prolific Latina leaders in northwest Ohio, Flores is credited with establishing programs such as Healthy Living for Children and is known for mentoring and providing access and opportunities for children throughout the region.
• Anthony Quinn, Ph.D. Quinn was passionate about the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority students at the University and helped to establish and lead numerous initiatives that helped students, faculty and staff of color.
• Susan Telljohann, Ph.D. A strong mentor to other LGBTQA+ faculty and students, Telljohann helps them find a sense of belonging on our campus and encourages them to be proud of who they are and to never feel like a second-class citizen.
