School of Business and Economics Dean Honored with “Giving Back Award” for Social Responsibility in Higher Education
Rohnert Park, California – The School of Business and Economics (SBE) at Sonoma State University (SSU) announced today that Dr. William Silver, Dean, was awarded the 2017 Giving Back Leadership Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, a diversity and inclusion monthly and website in higher education with a readership of 300,000. Dean Silver was recognized in the publication’s April issue for “outstanding demonstration of social responsibility; involvement with students, faculty, staff, and the community; and commitment to serving underrepresented populations.” The award is the only national honor for college and university administrators for their commitment to diversity through leadership, and for giving back to their campus and community.
“Our mission is to create extraordinary learning experiences that will lead students to successful and fulfilling careers. But the path to success for some students is not always clear. This award brings recognition to the efforts of faculty, staff, and School leaders who work each day to support all students, and empower them to make a difference in the world,” Dr. William S. Silver, Dean of the School of Business and Economics at Sonoma State University said. “I’m proud of the University’s work to make the principles of diversity and inclusion key elements of campus culture.”
“It doesn’t surprise me that Dean Silver would win an award like this,” Sonoma State University President Judy K. Sakaki said. “He is a tireless educational leader who is 100 percent devoted to all of our students, faculty, and staff. He has helped build so many bridges between the school and the region. We all know about the great work he does. It’s gratifying to see him recognized in this way.”
“The Giving Back Award is being awarded to leaders of institutions of higher education who exemplify what it truly means to ‘give back’ to others,” Holly Mendelson, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine said. “These administrators are role models, and we honor their efforts to promote diversity and inclusion on their campuses and in their communities.”
The complete April issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine may be viewed and downloaded here: http://www.insightintodiversity.com/wp-content/media/issues/april2017.pdf
The School of Business and Economics supports numerous programs in collaboration with the University’s Office of Diversity, including the Undocu-Scholars Coalition dedicated to keeping undocumented students informed of changing immigration policies; Undocu-Week, including lectures and events to increase awareness of resources for undocumented students; Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Student Leadership Conference; and other programs for underrepresented students.
Recently, Dean Silver introduced the Rodney Strong Pathways Program and Wine Industry Scholars Program, including a combined initial amount of $350,000 dollars in support of programs and education grants for first generation college students and children and families of winery and vineyard workers. For more information regarding the Insight Into Diversity Giving Back Award or inclusive excellence initiatives at SBE, or for information regarding scholarship and grant programs, please call (707) 664-2377 or visit www.sonoma.edu/sbe.
