UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State junior and Schreyer Honors College Scholar Candice Crutchfield is a recipient of the “All In at Penn State” achievement award. She was recognized today (April 18) as one of two recipients of the honor, designed to recognize a student, faculty or staff member for embodying the University’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
The inaugural award, which includes a $1,500 stipend, was created to honor members of the University community who help Penn State achieve its mission of being a leader in research, learning and engagement by embracing diversity and affecting the world in positive and enduring ways.
Crutchfield is a junior from Woodbridge, Virginia, majoring in criminology and communication arts and sciences. She is a member of the Presidential Leadership Academy and the Phi Alpha Delta International Law Fraternity and one of the co-founders of the independent student media website, The Underground. She is currently the head of brand strategy for The Underground, which is dedicated to covering stories focusing on diversity and inclusivity and now counts more than 30 students among its members.
Crutchfield is also a Bunton-Waller Fellow, a member of the Black Student Union at Penn State and a public relations intern for the Schreyer Honors College. She hopes to attend law school and work in the field of criminal justice.
“On a campus full of countless students, faculty and staff who are actively striving to improve campus climate and relations with underrepresented communities, I'm overjoyed and honored to have been nominated, let alone become a recipient of the All In award,” Crutchfield said. “With this being the inaugural award, I hope doors are opened for more people to make positive changes and continue working toward inhabiting a truly diverse campus.
“It is comforting and admirable to know that the University has chosen to display an outward commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity, understanding and respect, despite our differences and it is on us — students, faculty, and staff — to continue such work.”
Marcus Whitehurst, vice provost for Educational Equity, announced the “All In at Penn State: An Achievement Award for Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion” recipients during the All In conference, held today (April 18) at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel. Also honored was Patricia Silveyra, assistant professor of pediatrics and a research associate in the Penn State College of Medicine.
“The All In award is an important step for the University to recognize individuals for their contributions to Penn State's diversity, equity and inclusion mission,” Whitehurst said. “Both of these award winners have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments, leadership and innovation in working to create an inclusive climate, transforming education and advancing diverse communities.”
“If there is one person on Penn State's campus who embodies the spirit of diversity and inclusion, it is Candice Crutchfield,” wrote nominator Sumit Pareek, also a Schreyer Honors College Scholar. “In her time at Penn State, she has served as a voice for the Penn State community and at large. Her devotion to understanding the pluralism of cultures at Penn State has not only led her to create change in these respective communities, but also to learn more about her own life in the process.”
The “All In” award was created to recognize recipients who contribute to Penn State’s diversity, equity and inclusion mission by demonstrating exceptional accomplishment, leadership or innovation by creating an inclusive climate, transforming education, expanding authentic access with attention to inclusion and advancing diverse communities. Nearly 50 nominations were submitted.
“All In at Penn State” is an ongoing initiative aimed at spotlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion, and encouraging members of the University community to take an active role in promoting diversity, have respectful conversations about it and create welcoming communities.