Author: Paige Short

Paige brings her passion for issues of diversity and inclusion to her role, focusing on streamlining operations and communications, connecting stakeholders with change makers, and helping find places where process needs a bit of a nudge in the right direction. As a social justice change agent, Paige is a firm advocate for listening first and being willing to admit things need changing. She believes higher education should be for everyone who wants it and diversity work should be shared work. A proud Michigan Tech alumna, Paige earned her bachelor of science degree in scientific and technical communication, along with minors in media production and psychology. She resides in Houghton with her partner and animals. A proud nerd for life, most weekends she can be found gaming with friends, playing roller derby, or, occasionally, hiking the beautiful Keweenaw.

Domestic Violence: Understanding, Healing, and Reclaiming Power

Content warning: discussions of domestic abuse and tactics

When people hear about survivors of narcissistic abuse or domestic violence, the immediate reaction is often judgment. “Why didn’t they leave sooner?” “Why didn’t they speak up?” These questions reflect a lack of understanding about the deeply complex trauma involved in these situations. Survivors often face skepticism, disbelief, and even blame, especially if they didn’t report the abuse right away. This response not only dismisses the survivor’s pain but also ignores the complex dynamics of trauma, manipulation, and psychological torment.

Engagement and Belonging Hosts Dr. Ronald Jackson II

Photo of Ron Jackson II on a black and yellow background.

Engagement and Belonging is excited to welcome the renowned scholar Dr. Ronald Jackson II to Michigan Tech this fall. Dr. Jackson’s visit is a key part of our commitment to building a more welcoming and supportive campus community. His deep knowledge of identity, culture, and communication will offer valuable perspectives for students, faculty, and staff as we work to create a more connected and understanding environment at Michigan Tech.

Introducing Engagement and Belonging

New Name, Same Commitment

Effective August 1, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion will be known as Engagement and Belonging.

This change reflects Michigan Tech’s continued dedication to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all members of the University community, while emphasizing the intentional efforts made to achieve this goal. The office’s services, functions, and staff will remain the same. Engagement and Belonging looks forward to continued partnership with the Michigan Tech community under its new name.

Celebrating Pride: More Important Than Ever

A paper cut-out of a pride rainbow heart next to six colored pencils lined up in the pattern of a rainbow.
Designed by Freepik

Pride Month, celebrated every June, is a time to honor the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community. It began as a commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City, a pivotal event in the modern LGBTQ rights movement. Pride is a month filled with joyful parades, festivals, and gatherings, and it’s also a time to reflect on the struggles and triumphs that have shaped LGBTQ history.

McNair Program Hosts Inaugural Graduation

Kathleen Burke, Trent Betters, May Waters, Stelle Barone and Thomas Schlitt.

The staff of the McNair Scholars program, along with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, hosted the Inaugural McNair Scholars Graduation recognition dinner on Friday, April 19, 2024, for this year’s graduating seniors. This first cohort of Michigan Tech’s McNair Scholars were recognized for their commitment to research along with dedication to scholarly activities and achievements.

Celebrating Neurodiversity: Autism Acceptance Month

April is Autism Acceptance Month, a yearly observance to promote understanding, inclusion, and self-advocacy for autistic members of our community. At Michigan Technological University, we aim to go beyond awareness and actively celebrate the diversity of minds and perspectives that autistic students, faculty, and staff bring to our Husky family.

Jacek Borysow Wins 2024 Bayard Rustin Award

A student hands Jacek Borysow the Bayard Rustin award near a podium.
Jacek Borysow receiving Bayard Rustin award from Jaylen Body (NSBE)

Jacek Borysow, interim physics department chair and professor, has been named the 2024 winner of the Bayard Rustin Award. The National Society of Black Engineers presents this prestigious to faculty or staff who make important behind-the-scenes impacts on campus, especially for underrepresented groups.

“Thank you to the National Society of Black Engineers for this award. Truly, it is the most important award I have ever received. It was given to me by the students and it is named after one of the most outstanding African-American leaders in the movement for nonviolence and civil rights,” said Borysow.