CSU to Honor Annual Diversity Award Winners

Columbus State University will honor a dozen students, employees, alumni and community leaders on Wednesday, March 29, with its annual Legacy Awards as part of its upcoming Diversity Forum.  Each was selected for their dedicated work in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion.  Four individuals who are affiliated with the Turner College are among the group.  Jarel Hearst is the recipient of the W.D. Feeney Award.  Like the former CSU student and award’s namesake, Hearst’s confidence and success in overcoming his own challenges are inspirations to everyone at Columbus State – whether that be his classmates and instructors or those who benefit from his service in the Computer Science Lab.  He is a senior from Beaufort, South Carolina, pursuing a degree in computer science/games programming from the TSYS School.  Rania Hodhod, holder of the Edwin and Florette Rothschild Chair, associate professor and assistant chair of the TSYS School, is the recipient of the Outstanding Faculty/Staff Award.  The award recognizes a CSU employee for demonstrating and promoting leadership and service.  A faculty member of Egyptian descent, Hodhod is regarded as a mentor to both international and domestic students alike – and well beyond their time as CSU students as they continue their graduate studies and begin their professional careers.  Alexander Johns is the recipient of the Lavender Alliance Community Award, which is bestowed on an LGBTQ student, supporter, ally or friend who has made a notable contribution, shown significant support, advanced a particular cause or given support within the LGBTQ community.  A sophomore from Douglasville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in computer science, Johns is involved in numerous student organizations, including Pride+, through which he has worked to foster belonging and advance opportunities for CSU’s LGBTQ community.  Lastly, Taylor Parker, the recipient of the Women’s Leadership Award, embodies the leadership and advocacy benefiting female causes for which the award is presented.  As president of the Turner College chapter of the Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society and through other causes in which she’s involved, Parker fosters a sense of belonging for women on campus and in the Columbus community.  She is a senior from the Harris County/Columbus, Georgia, area pursuing a degree in marketing.  The Legacy Celebration Banquet Awards dinner begins at 6 p.m. in the university’s Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center on CSU’s Main Campus.  In addition to the awards presentations, it will include keynote remarks from civil rights leader and broadcasting executive Xernona Clayton.  The Diversity Forum continues Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Cunningham Center on CSU’s Main Campus.  It will include a full day of professional development sessions and a luncheon keynote by local DEI advocate Jo Anne Hill.  Diversity Forum tickets are $45 for individuals or $340 for a table of eight—and they can be purchased online.  Tickets include both dinner Wednesday night and admission to the full program (including lunch) on Thursday.  The Diversity Forum is an annual program presented by CSU’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.  For more information, visit the Diversity Forum webpage, or contact CSU’s Diversity Programs & Services at 706.507.8589 or diversity@columbusstate.edu.