The Diversity Review Recognizes Elon University as #1 in Diversity

Original image by Elon University Instagram

ELON, NC–While hosting The Diversity Review award ceremony, Elon University students Richard Hank Wangford II and Oak-Leigh Popplewell accepted the award on behalf of Elon. The award was for being the #1 University in Diversity Education, Inclusive Spaces, and Campus Life.

This past week, Elon University hosted the National Diversity Award Ceremony; this is the first time Elon has been invited to host this prestigious event, and they did not disappoint. A big topic of conversation was centered around the people in attendance; among them was “honorable” Postmaster General Louise DeJoy, who received a bout of applause as he entered the premises.

This historic moment for Elon became even more special when they were awarded the highest honor offered for being the #1 university for everything involving diversity education, inclusion, and campus life. Elon seniors Richard Hank Wangford II and Oak-Leigh Popplewell accepted the award on behalf of Elon. Wangford II and Popplewell shared their struggles as diverse students, and their vulnerability was very brave.

Wangford II opened his speech by saying, “I have always been targeted for my identity and ancestry, and it has taken me many years to come to terms with who I am. Being able to say that I am 10 percent Irish, 8 percent Italian, 4 percent French, 1.2 percent Central Asian, and 76.8 percent North American.” He continued, “All my life I have been marginalized just like my ancestors were during the Great Famine, also known as the Irish Potato Famine. This award is for them.”

After the standing ovation, Popplewell spoke with tears in her eyes, “The hardships and obstacles I have had to overcome in my life, and more so during my time at Elon, will stay with me forever. While some people find it hard to be accepting, the first thing I did when I came to Elon was set out to find my first “black” friend. Meeting her changed how I saw life. I felt like I had a new purpose,” ending her speech with “I knew that she was going to have a hard time academically and socially at Elon without me, so I helped her find her footing here. Because of my efforts, she is graduating with me this coming May. Changing her life changed mine as well, and accepting this award validates all my hard work!”

The following day the university had a private celebration for its students, staff, and administration. A.S.S. sources confirm that the attendance of the minority students was not mandatory, but very strongly encouraged. The paparazzi came out to interview the minority students, wanting to hear their stories. Some of the students of color told A.S.S. that they enjoyed the event. They were asked what their favorite part was; but they mentioned that they were working as ushers for the most part so they couldn’t focus on the details as much.

Wangford II and Popplewell were nowhere to be found during this event, and when asked about the lack of white students, the minority students just responded that there were many day drinking parties–also known as “darties”–going on that day. Do with this information what you will, but A.S.S. was just excited to be invited to partake in this moment in Elon history.