Honoring Isaac L. Jordan Sr. Student Scholarships and Faculty Pluralism Award Recipients | May 2019
We would like to congratulate and highlight the Isaac L. Jordan Sr. Faculty Pluralism Award Recipient, Dr. Jennifer L. Connelly along with the Student Scholarship recipients, Patrick Edwards and Julia Bartsch. Each of these recipients have positively impacted the RIT community through either teaching and scholarship, student clubs and organizations and/or committees.
Dr. Jennifer L. Connelly, Lecturer in the School of Physics and Astronomy was recognized as the 2019 Isaac L. Jordan Sr. Faculty Pluralism Award recipient. “Her network of friends is as diverse as it can get and the way she reflects on her teaching and her research is always mindful of an ever larger and larger community that includes and appreciates all those she encounters and interacts with. At the risk of overstating, she lives and breathes pluralism and should be honored and recognized for such a distinct, enlivening and empowering virtue,” said Dr. Ernest Fokoué, Assistant Professor of Statistics at RIT. One of her recent students shared and I quote: “For Dr. Connelly words do not do justice as to the impact she can have on her students. I was one of the student lucky enough to experience just that. In the classroom, she encompasses and understands everything a professor at our college should. From ensuring access services for deaf/HoH can function properly given a specific experiment or project group, to making sure a student fully understands a concept instead of just blowing through the lecture because wants to get back to her office.” Dr. Connelly aspires to continue building bridges between the College of Science and offices, programs, and individuals who are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion at RIT and beyond.
Patrick Edwards, a freshman in the College of Science, majoring in Chemistry with a Minor in Economics. Patrick’s passion coming to RIT, has been to bring people from different cultures, sexual preferences, and backgrounds together to celebrate each other’s differences. Patrick’s is committed, in his volunteer role as an MCAS Advocate, in working to create a positive AALANA community in his college. In addition to his work with the students in his college, he also started a workshop series with the science faculty. The faculty shared stories about their lives with their students. Patrick has also served as the freshmen representative to the Black Awareness Coordinating Committee developing his leadership skills while working on cultural programming to enhance students’ campus experience. We, as a community, look forward to his continued contributions and positive impact working to make RIT a great inclusive campus.
Julia Bartsch, a fourth year BS/MS Physician Assistant Major in the College of Health Sciences & Technology. Julia has worked as a Residential Advisor for three years in RIT’s Center for Residence Life. She has also served as a Peer Advisor for the Year One Program and the Vice-President of the Circle K International service organization. Julia is committed to service and making the communities she engages with better. This year her floor had some problems and Julia committed her time and energy to assist in providing workshops and events to honor all the students on her floor celebrating their differences and humanity. Her idea was to create a borderless community where people wanted to know one another and appreciate each other. As a student who walks in both the hearing and deaf worlds she role modeled vulnerability and support which assisted the members of her floor to create a community of growth. Julia helps students reach their full potential and to promote an inclusive environment.
Isaac L. Jordan, Sr. lived his life with purpose and commitment to building communities of inclusion and equality, all while fostering respect. He transformed the minds and hearts of the people who worked and studied at RIT. Now, as with all legacies, their impact continues through the faculty and students who receive these awards.