SUFFERN- Rockland Community College (RCC) received the 2023 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. As a recipient of the annual HEED Award — a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion — Rockland Community College will be featured, along with 108 other recipients, in the November/December 2023 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. This is the third year RCC has been named as a HEED Award recipient.
“We are immensely honored to announce that Rockland Community College has been recognized with the 2023 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. This prestigious award not only symbolizes our steadfast commitment to fostering an inclusive environment but also underscores our collective efforts in championing diversity across all spectrums. Being selected alongside 107 esteemed institutions is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire RCC community. This marks the third year in a row that RCC has been named a HEED Award recipient, further solidifying our resolve to continue our work in ensuring that every individual feels seen, heard, and valued in our educational community,” states Dr. Lester Rápalo, President, Rockland Community College.
INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected Rockland Community College in part due to the College’s collaborative approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Recognizing that effective diversity, equity and inclusion work cannot be undertaken by one small office, the College established the Steps Beyond Statements committee. The committee, which reports to the President and the Chief Diversity Officer, has representation from students, staff and faculty across campus and is responsible for advancing the College’s diversity, equity, and inclusion agenda.
“The HEED Award process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application that includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees — and best practices for both — leadership support for diversity, campus culture and climate, supplier diversity, and many other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for institutions where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done every day across their campus.”
RCC is one of six campuses and the only community college of the State University of New York (SUNY) to be recognized this year with the HEED Award.
