Rock-Valley-College-Celebrates-Commitment-to-Excellence-at 4th-Annual-Eagle-Awards.php

Rock Valley College Celebrates Commitment to Excellence at 4th Annual Eagle Awards

• Events
• 04/30/2025

Rock Valley College celebrated its commitment to cultural excellence & belonging on Friday, April 25, 2025 at the 4th Annual Eagle Awards for Culture and Belonging.

 

Seven individuals and two organizations were recognized at the event.  These accolades shine a spotlight on remarkable achievements across various categories, including Student, Faculty, Staff, Community Partner, and Distinguished Service.

 

During the event, Dr. Keith Barnes, Vice President of Cultural Excellence, addressed the audience with a message of perseverance and hope amid challenges faced nationwide.

"The work of justice, equity, belonging, trust, equality, and fairness will never go out of style. Because of that fact, we must stay committed — whether through our college or our community — to ensuring this work lives on.”

Dr. Barnes highlighted many examples of Rock Valley College’s commitment to cultural excellence and belonging, showcasing efforts that engage faculty, students, and the community. Notable initiatives included:

 

• Awarded a $20,000 grant from the American Association of College and Universities to establish a Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Campus Center
• Hosted a variety of Cultural Awareness Month activities.
• Advancing initiatives through multiple commissions, including ADA, LGBTQ+, Race and Ethnicity, and the Hispanic Serving Institution. 
• Promoting student engagement with a variety of clubs and support services. 
• Partnering with David Dosier, sociology faculty, to administer the Third Annual Social Justice Community-Based Learning Academy, where 13 students delivered outstanding presentations addressing environmental justice during the Spring 2025 Cultural Excellence and Belonging Symposium. 
• Hosting various events such as the Sankofa Celebration, the Nuestras Raíces Graduation Ceremony, the Equity Summit, the Black Maternal Health Panel Discussion, and the Fall Neurodiversity Symposium.
• Continuing to offer Aspire New Student Orientation sessions.
• Being named a finalist for the 2025 American Association of Community Colleges Advancing Equity and Belonging Award.
• Receiving the 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award.

Tek Curry, Cultural Excellence and Belonging Specialist recognized Lien Vu for being nominated for the Eagle Award in three categories: Faculty, Staff, and Community Partner. Eric Brown was recognized for receiving a large number of outstanding nominations.

The awards ceremony culminated with the tradition of celebrating and spotlighting culture and belonging endeavors at RVC as individuals and organizations were honored with an Eagle Award of Excellence in the following categories:

Outstanding Student: Recognizing exceptional contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts through active promotion and participation in on and off-campus programming.

• Ibrahim Alkourdi
• Ruben Sanchez

Outstanding Staff: Commending individuals demonstrating a steadfast commitment to fostering an inclusive community.

• Eric Brown
• Omar Ramirez
• Erica Matthews

Outstanding Faculty: Celebrating champions of diversity, equity, and inclusion within and beyond the classroom during their tenure at RVC.

• Julie Hernandez
• Denise Anderson

Outstanding Community Partner: Highlighting individuals or organizations integrating DEI principles within their mission and practices, with a proven track record of collaboration with RVC to enhance access and opportunities reflective of the served community.

• Liam Foundation
• Boone County Hunger Coalition

Theresa Paulette Gilbert Distinguished Service Award: This distinguished accolade, chosen by PAIC leadership, honors a commitment to social justice through acts and advocacy.

• Posthumously awarded to Professor Kanwal D. Prashar

All honorees received a heartfelt message alongside their award, acknowledging their role in fostering a sense of belonging within the community and encouraging continued advocacy and impact.

Congratulations to all our esteemed award recipients!