Student athletes listen to SEA of Change's keynote address by Kenton
Mack and Audra Koopman in 2022 at the Haas Performing Center for the Arts.
Photo Credit:
Amanda Pitts
NASPA, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, has
recently selected Grand Valley's Athletics department’s SEA of Change
and Waves of Change initiative as an NASPA 2023 Excellence Award
Silver Honoree.
The honor is presented to Grand Valley in the category for Athletics,
Recreation, Counseling, Health, Wellness and related. Callie Youngman,
athletics inclusion director, submitted the program for NASPA’s consideration.
Established in 2021, the SEA (Supporting, Elevating, Activating) of
Change seeks to eliminate barriers among student athletes and develop
a deeper understanding of their fellow Lakers.
Last year, SEA of Change brought together more than 350 student
athletes to listen to speakers and connect through workshops
addressing issues of diversity and inclusion. The Waves of Change
builds upon those workshops and discussions to construct better
relationships among Laker student athletes.
NASPA is a U.S.-based organization devoted to the field of student affairs.
Opportunities to participate in Juneteenth, Pride Month and the Black Boys and Men Symposium strengthen our commitment to an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere through our active efforts to create a sense of belonging.