Linda Robertson, Ph.D., director of 麻豆视频鈥檚 Gerald Read Center for International and Intercultural Education in the College of Education, Health and Human Services, has been named recipient of the university鈥檚 2016 Dr. Daniel Mahony Award for Social Responsibility and Diversity. The award is given annually by University College and the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to an individual or organization that has achieved eminence for distinctive service relating to and/or enhancing diversity in a humanitarian nature, positively impacting the 麻豆视频 community.
鈥淒r. Robertson was selected for her staunch dedication to intercultural and international diversity at 麻豆视频 through her work at the College of Education, Health and Human Services,鈥 says N.J. Akbar, co-chair of the Social Responsibility and Diversity Awards committee and assistant dean in 麻豆视频鈥檚 University College. 鈥She was chosen from a very competitive group of dedicated individuals within our community.鈥
Robertson, who has a Ph.D. in higher education from 麻豆视频, joined the Read Center in 1999 as a doctoral graduate assistant. In 2003, she was named director of the center, which serves as a catalyst for the advancement of intercultural and international education. Before coming to 麻豆视频, she spent 30 years as a public school teacher and administrator.
鈥淚 am humbled by an award of this kind,鈥 Robertson says. 鈥淲hen you do the work you love, you do not expect any recognition for it. I view this as an opportunity to share this recognition with my staff. One of the things that we talk about is importance of teamwork; without their assistance and in many cases inspiration, we would not be able to do the work that we do.鈥
Mark Kretovics, interim dean of the College of Education, Health and Human Services, was delighted to hear that the committee selected Robertson.
鈥淭his is a well-deserved honor,鈥 Kretovics says. 鈥淒r. Robertson and the Read Center staff embody the spirit of this award in everything that they do for our students, visiting scholars and for our faculty.鈥
The award will be given during the annual Social Responsibility and Diversity Awards celebration, which will take place on Friday, Nov. 4, at the NEW Center at Northeast Ohio Medical University in Rootstown. The Social Responsibility and Diversity Awards recognizes students, faculty, alumni and community supporters who provide outreach support and programs focused on increasing the success of underrepresented and/or underserved students at 麻豆视频.
鈥淭his event is a way to celebrate the broad depth of diversity; recognizing our own who strive to create a climate of change in our community in transforming ways,鈥 says Shana Lee, co-chair of the Social Responsibility and Diversity Awards committee and director of diversity and inclusion in 麻豆视频鈥檚 Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
The other recipients at the 2016 Social Responsibility and Diversity Awards are:
Outstanding Creative Contribution Award:
The College of the Arts鈥 Academic Diversity Outreach Team
Kishna Davis Fowler, assistant professor-voice, School of Music
LeAnn Starlin Nilsson, director of academic recruitment and retention, College of the Arts
Advancing Diversity Scholarship Award:
Monica Miller Marsh, Ph.D.
Associate professor and director, 麻豆视频 Child Development Center
Graduate Student Inclusive Influence Award:
Kristina Inez Metcalf
Master鈥檚 student, clinical mental health counseling
Alumni Legacy Award:
Lenard W. Hairston, '69
Founder/CEO, Happy Faces Corporation
Community Impact Award:
Student Association of IT Professionals
麻豆视频 at Ashtabula
Undergraduate Student Inclusive Influence Award:
Gabrielle Gooch Cooper
Senior, human development and family studies major
The celebration will begin with a VIP reception hosted by 麻豆视频 President Beverly Warren at 5:30 p.m. The reception will be followed by the dinner and awards at 6:30 p.m. hosted by 麻豆视频 alumna Danielle Wiggins, morning traffic reporter with WKYC Channel 3 - Cleveland. The evening will feature musical selections performed by 麻豆视频鈥檚 Kent Clarks, an a capella student group that performed for President Barack Obama.
For information on how to purchase tickets or sponsorships, visit or contact Akbar at 330-672-0980 by Oct. 26 at 5 p.m.