OCC continued to reinforce its role as "The Community's College" by giving back during the pandemic. OCC's Council on Diversity & Inclusion delivered much-needed supplies to community-based organizations including face masks, hand sanitizer, and gloves. The project was led by Spanish Professor Dr. Gerardo Cummings. Nursing Professor Dianna Lewis-Brewster spent countless hours sewing face masks. Diversity Services' Student Assistant William Ramroop was also a leading force during the project with his inspiration, input, and contributions. Ramroop credited OCC's Chief Diversity Officer Eunice Williams for going above and beyond to make this project a reality. "Professor Williams organized group sessions in which we brainstormed different ways we could give back to the community. She also had the courtesy of personally picking up PPE such as gloves, sanitizer, and masks to donate. She has demonstrated what it means to be a true leader in our community."
Agencies benefiting from the council's efforts included:
- Big Brothers/Big Sisters
- La Liga: The Spanish Action League of Onondaga County
- North Side Learning Center
- PEACE, Inc.
- RISE: Refugee and Immigrant Self-Empowerment
- Van Duyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing
OCC's Council on Diversity and Inclusion, under the direction of OCC President Dr. Casey Crabill, is charged annually with finding ways to continuously strengthen relationships with community-based partners.
