June 11, 2021
MILWAUKEE 鈥� Dr. Terrie Garcia, coordinator for Project BEYOND-2 in the College of Nursing at 蜜桃影像, is the recipient of a 2021 Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award.
The Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Awards recognizes one faculty member and one staff member at Marquette who demonstrate exemplary leadership that manifest the ideals of diversity, equity and inclusion into practical action. Garcia is the staff recipient for the award.
Garcia has long been revered by her colleagues for her efforts in developing programming to support diverse students to academic success. As a first-generation college student, Garcia has the perspective to identify with students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, which makes her the ideal person for her role as coordinator for Project BEYOND-2 鈥� an initiative at Marquette that seeks to encourage students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue a rewarding career in professional nursing.
鈥淲hile I don鈥檛 do my job to get awards or praise, at the same time, it is important that diversity and inclusion is made a priority at all levels of higher education,鈥� Garcia said. 鈥淚 love what I do, and I hope that my efforts help encourage and support diverse students to chase their dreams of becoming a Marquette nurse. That鈥檚 what this is all about.鈥�
One colleague who nominated Garcia wrote, 鈥淪he (Garcia) works hard to bring voice for the underrepresented and encourage open dialog. She creates a safe and respectful environment for questions and discussions for the students. She helps the students develop better appreciation for differences and similarities of varied cultures and deepened their understanding of diversity.鈥�
Another nominator called Garcia an 鈥渦nsung hero,鈥� and they attest that her many contributions and commitment to diversity and inclusion inspire those around her to be the best versions of themselves and make the world a better place.
They added, 鈥淪he encourages me to expand my leadership as a minority nurse and find my voice to address diversity and inclusion to a broader audience.鈥�
Staff recipients of the 2021 Excellence Awards were honored June 7 during a virtual event.
Shelby is a senior communication specialist in the Office of Marketing and Communication. Contact Shelby at (414) 288-6712 or shelby.williamson@marquette.edu
