Two recipients recognized with annual Excellence in Diversity Award

by Susan Sullivan
January 21, 2014

Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) has named the Columbus Area Multi-Ethnic Organization (CAMEO) and Dr. Cheryl Crisp, assistant professor of nursing at IUPUC, as recipients of its 2014 Excellence in Diversity Awards.

The announcements were made during IUPUC’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day recognition held yesterday at the Columbus Learning Center with about 70 faculty, staff, students, and community residents in attendance.

Recipient #1: Columbus Area Multi-Ethnic Organization (CAMEO)

Founded in 2009, CAMEO is comprised of nine area ethnic associations, including the African American Association, Columbus Japanese Business Association, Columbus Latin American Association, Columbus Korean Association, Indian Association of Columbus, Middle Eastern Association, Pakistan Association, and Trinibago Association.

Together, representatives from these groups have structured CAMEO to be the main point of access for information and programming that recognizes and celebrates the changing face of the greater Columbus area. Members work together to provide a forum for coordinating and developing public programming that encourages community members to recognize and appreciate the traditions of all ethnic cultures.

In just four years, CAMEO members have formed a cultural gateway that enriches the lives of newcomers and local residents alike, bringing a variety of fun, culturally diverse activities to the community, including the annual Ethnic Expo with parade performances, food booths, and international displays.

The group also coordinates and promotes an international film series that both educates and sparks discussion and dialogue about cultural issues. In addition, CAMEO is partnering with the Heritage Fund to develop the next phase of the Welcoming Community initiative, with a focus on civic engagement.

“We are fortunate to have an organization like CAMEO in the greater Columbus area,” said Dr. Marwan Wafa, vice chancellor and dean. “Through the dedicated civic engagement of CAMEO members, local residents throughout the greater Columbus area are learning to appreciate the beliefs and values of diverse ethnic populations.”

Wafa presented the award to Ms. Rocio Rodriguez, CAMEO president. “As the university welcomes more international students and faculty to its campus, we all look forward to our continued partnership with CAMEO,” Wafa added.

Recipient #2: Dr. Cheryl Crisp

Currently serving her second term as a board member of the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities, Dr. Cheryl Crisp, RN, PCNS-BC, CRRN, specializes in the care of children, adults, and families managing disabilities.

Crisp is a tireless advocate for promoting public policy that supports the independence, productivity, and inclusion of people with disabilities without regard to their culture, creed, ethnicity, nationality, or sexual orientation.

Before completing her doctorate and becoming an assistant professor of nursing at IUPUC, Crisp worked as a staff nurse, home-care nurse, long-term care nurse, pediatric intensive care nurse, pediatric clinical nurse specialist, and nurse educator in a variety of hospital and community-based care settings.

Dr. Crisp’s research focuses on pediatric care for children with disabilities, with recent work focusing on working with caregivers to explore reasons for abandonment of augmentative communication devices (i.e., speech-generating tools) among those with disabilities. Her master’s thesis explored how parents evaluate self-esteem in nonverbal children with disabilities. Her doctoral research focused on family experiences with pediatric speech-generating devices.

A member of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association, the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, and the U.S. Society for Augmentative and Augmentative Alternative Communication,  she is a frequent presenter at regional and national research conferences. Last November, she discussed the barriers and facilitators to the successful use of augmentative devices across the lifespan at a research conference in Wisconsin.

Crisp has held leadership positions in the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Nurses including secretary, vice president, president, ex-official president, and conference chair. As a member of the Indiana Postsecondary Education Coalition, she has also been instrumental in establishing support programs for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at universities across the state. 

“Dr. Crisp brings a vast amount of professional and personal experience in caring for persons with disabilities to her teaching. As the parent of a special needs child herself, she knows first-hand the challenges faced by those with disabilities, including bullying in the school, workplace, and community. We applaud her efforts and thank her for helping IUPUC students have a better understanding of caring for disabled children and their families,” Wafa commented.

2015 nominations

IUPUC recognizes and honors those who have demonstrated commitment and outstanding efforts toward creative a diverse and inclusive community each year. Recipients are selected from external (community) nominees including individuals, organizations, groups, projects, or institutions as well as internal (campus) nominees.

Nominations for next year’s awards will be accepted in November and December. Nominees may include external and internal candidates who demonstrate a commitment toward respect and equity for all peoples, empowerment of underrepresented voices, and appreciation of diversity.

Nominees should:

  • Engage in meaningful diversity activities beyond their own areas of responsibility in order to encourage excellence through inclusion in the IUPUC community.
  • Display leadership in advancing diversity on campus and/or in the community.
  • Demonstrate efforts that foster a more inclusive and equitable learning and work environment.
  • Show evidence of inclusive teaching and/or program development beyond one’s responsibilities.
  • Conduct research and/or creative activity related to the experiences, realities, and/or contributions of persons from less-represented populations.
  • Provide leadership in programming, training, or other experiences which serve to advance diversity and inclusion at IUPUC.

For more information, contact Dr. Marwan Wafa, vice chancellor and dean, at 812.348.7226
or vicechancellor@iupuc.edu, or Dr. Sandra Miles, director of student services and campus diversity officer, at smiles3@iupuc.edu or 812.314.8539.