1/23/2006

Contact: K.E. Schwab  -- 724-738-2199;  e-mail: karl.schwab@sru.edu

SRU REV. KING CELEBRATION HONORS THREE FOR CIVIL LEADERSHIP ROLES

     SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Three Slippery Rock University leaders – DaNine Fleming and Robert Clay, from the Office of Intercultural Programs, and Dr. Frederick White, assistant professor of English -- were have been honored for their leadership in expanding civil rights and understanding by being presented the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Civil Service Award at the university’s King Day of Service ceremony.

     The awards were presented in Miller Auditorium as part of the service day’s closing ceremony that included a performance by the Rev. Dr. King Performance Competition winner Lannea Adamson, a senior from Aliquippa, who offered a dance performance, and a performance by the Chosen Generation singers.

     The civil leadership awards spotlight those who demonstrate support of civil rights in words and actions, advocate for social justice in words and actions, demonstrate leadership in moving and motivating others toward and understanding /of, and quest for, civil rights and social justice for all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.

      Fleming, director of the office, was cited for demonstrating compassion and a desire to help others succeed. It was pointed out she is passionate about social justice and is actively involved in promoting the issues and concerns of historically bypassed groups at SRU. Her citation noted, “She works to ensure that respect for all persons becomes part of the culture at SRU. Mrs. Fleming is known as a teacher, mentor, friend, confidant, educator, advocate, leader and change agent.” She is a member of the President’s Commission for Racial and Ethnic Diversity and a senior member of the campus National Coalition Building Institute leadership team. She is a member of the Western Pennsylvania Diversity Consortium and co-chaired the Harambee Summit this past year. She was also involved in planning last year’s Women of Color Conference held at SRU.

      Clay, assistant director, was honored for contributing a wealth of innovative ideas, including inception of the “King Day of Service” program. He serves as the adviser to the Black Action Society, SRU Chosen Generation, formally the Gospel Choir, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. An avid believer in social justice and change, Clay has served the campus as chair for the SRU Black Caucus, chair for the Western Pennsylvania Diversity Consortium and two years as co-chair of the Harambee Summit statewide diversity conference hosted at SRU. The summit was envisioned by Clay. He serves as a member of the National Coalition Building Institute team at SRU and has designed and facilitated highly effective and interactive programs that have helped the entire campus community engage in dialogue on racism and race relations. 

      White was honored for his contributions to the cause of social justice and equality. He co-chairs the President’s Commission for Racial and Ethnic Diversity and chairs the Native-American subcommittee. He has led discussions at two informal luncheons in the commission’s series. The discussions titled “Racial Self Identification for Students: Why or Why Not” and “Learning Styles for Students of Color” were informative and sparked considerable interest and dialogue. White’s idea for the commission to sponsor a panel discussion on Professional Development Day last year led to “The Applicant of Color and the Faculty Search Committee.”

             He was instrumental in planning and presenting an outstanding program titled “Separate, Unequal and Unwanted: the Native American Experience of Brown vs. Board of Education.”  He is working on a Native American Day of Celebration featuring Native American dancers, singers, drummers, vendors, lectures and a host of other activities, culminating with a play he wrote titled “Higher Education” which deals with the experiences of students of color in higher education.  His citation noted, “Dr. White exemplifies Dr. King’s philosophy of non-violence and is respectful of those who disagree with him, but at the same time willing to take unpopular stands when he is convinced it is the right thing to do. He has been a great ally, friend and adviser to many people on and off campus who are involved in the cause of social justice, anti-racism and diversity.”

            Speakers for the day included Rev. Berta Newsome, a 20-year veteran in the social service field and active in the United Faith Fellowship Church of God in Meadville, and an address by Rev. Linda B. Oliver, special projects minister at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Pittsburgh.

PN, PGN, WPN, PR, AA, S

KingAwarsNR.doc