Garren Awards recognize students, faculty and staff for contributions to diversity and inclusion

The Diversity Peer Educators and the Office of Multicultural Affairs this spring hosted the 23rd annual Garren Awards to recognize students, faculty and staff who have contributed to promoting diversity and inclusion at Roanoke College.

After President Frank Shushok Jr. gave opening remarks, the first award recognized the top three entries of the Bonilla Legacy Essay contest. The contest was established in collaboration with Catherine Bonilla ’14 and Cesar “Chico” Bonilla ’19.

• Kinsey Nguyen ’23 was the first-place winner.
• Sydney Pennix ’24 was the second-place finisher.
• Makayla Trent ’23 was the third-place finisher.

Faculty Awards were presented to:

• Dr. Alexander Ponomareff, postdoctoral fellow in the Center for Studying Structures of Race
• Dr. Jesse Bucher, college historian and director of the Center of Studying Structures of Race
• Dr. Nelson Barre, assistant professor of fine arts

Staff Award recipients included:

• Rachael Clark, associate director of residence life and housing, LGBTQ+ coordinator
• Shelby Thompson, dining services

The Department/Division Awards were presented to:

• The Modern Languages Department
• Office of Residence Life and Housing

The Student Organization Awards recognized:

• Black Student Alliance
• Student Veterans Association

The Rising Star Award recognizes first- and second-year students who have embraced diversity and social justice at the College. This year, the honorees were:

• Esther Darko ’25
• Lavender Oman ’26
• Margo Boone ’26

The Upperclassmen Award, which honors students at the junior level or above who exemplify campus diversity, was awarded to:

• Annaya Osinuga ’23
• Roge Lopez ’23
• Seanice Bowser ’24

The Maxine Fitzgerald Trailblazer Award, named after the first Black student to enroll at the College, goes to an individual who blazes a trail for others to follow. This year’s recipient was Makayla Trent ’23.

The Morgan Churchman Legacy Award was the last recognition presented at the ceremony. It goes to an individual who has made exemplary contributions to the College and the Office of Multicultural Affairs. This year’s recipients were Rosie Barnes-Lilye ’23 and Morgan Churchman ’65.