The West Virginia University Alumni Association has received the 2024 Alumni Association Inclusive Excellence Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education.
The Alumni Award honors alumni association programs, culture and initiatives that encourage and support diversity, inclusion and a sense of belonging for all alumni, regardless of racial or ethnic background, sexual or gender identity, religion, socio-economic status, worldview and more.
WVU will be featured, along with 31 other recipients, in the June 2024 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine.
“At the WVU Alumni Association, our position is to communicate our University’s mantra of ‘Mountaineers Go First’ to alumni, prospective students, family and friends. We don’t just live this; it is our passion to articulate to the world who we are,” said Tracy Schoenadel, WVU Alumni Association Board of Directors chair.
“The Alumni Association Board and staff have led the way to implement a number of DEI initiatives and, as chair of the Board of Directors and a member of the LGBTQ community, I appreciate the work of all, collectively, to provide DEI excellence within our WVUAA family.”
Insight Into Diversity magazine selected the WVU Alumni Association in recognition of the organization’s comprehensive approach to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, from board-level representation to community projects, which reflects the Association’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected alumni community.
In the past four years, the WVU Alumni Association has increased its support for programs serving diverse communities on and off campus, adopted the University’s land acknowledgment, developed an internal DEI committee among the board of directors, instituted annual inclusion training for its board of directors and staff, and laid the groundwork for a diploma display in the Erickson Alumni Center and award program to celebrate underrepresented pathways at WVU.
The creation of a permanent board seat for the vice president for DEI, along with commitment to further diversify the board’s representation over time, showcases a deliberate effort to ensure voices are heard at the highest levels of decision-making. Bylaw-mandated annual training for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging further emphasizes the Association’s dedication to fostering an inclusive environment.
“The Alumni Board understands that Mountaineers are all over the world and celebrates the beauty of its membership,” said University Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Meshea L. Poore, Esq. “The Board and the fantastic Alumni Association staff have been committed to elevating the voices of the membership through initiatives, dialogue and programming. Because of their consistency, intentional and genuine interest in learning about other experiences and perspectives, the Alumni Association has strengthened its relationship with many members and welcomed many more — a true example of what it means to be part of Mountaineer Nation.”
Additionally, the innovative programs and events organized by WVU Alumni Association chapters, such as the virtual speaker series, Black Alumni Weekend and a Little Free Libraries project, highlight their proactive approach to engaging with diverse alumni communities. These initiatives not only provide platforms for underrepresented alumni voices to be heard but also inspire others to take action in their own communities.
“We know that alumni associations are not always recognized for their dedication to diversity, inclusion and belonging,” said Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine. “We are proud to honor these college and university alumni associations as role models for other institutions of higher education.”
A call for nominations for this award was announced in February 2024. For more information about the 2024 Alumni Association Inclusive Excellence Award, visit insightintodiversity.com.
For more information on the WVU Alumni Association, visit alumni.wvu.edu.