Meet the Autumn 2017 PONO Champion

Student News | Wednesday, March 7, 2018

The PONO Diversity Learning Community is a unique dialogue-based program open to faculty, staff and students. Autumn and Spring cohorts meet for eight weeks to discuss various diversity related topics. Discussion topics include: race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, religion, socio-economic status, intersectionality and more. PONO provides all with authentic opportunities to build community, share perspectives, and gain understanding.

We would like to celebrate an amazing individual who participated in the PONO Diversity Learning Community during the fall of 2017. During a staff meeting, we surprised Trish Haaser and presented her with the Autumn 2017 PONO Champion award. Each semester the cohort collectively recognizes a PONO champion. The PONO Champion is someone who consistently exudes values such as growth, understanding, compassion, transformation, community, and ally-like behaviors.

Trish shared the following about her experience:

“PONO, next to finishing an Associate Degree here, was the smartest decision I’ve made during my tenure at Columbus State.  The award says I am the Champion. In reality, I have become a champion of the very students and staff members who met during the fall to discuss tough social issues. My thanks to the facilitators and everyone who participated who displayed honesty, fortitude, and respect for one another despite our differences.”

 –Trish Haaser, Program Coordinator in Justice, Safety, and Legal Studies

Please congratulate Trish when you see her! If you are interested in learning more about PONO or have any questions, please feel free to contact Jasmine Marks, Specialist, GDIC at jmarks10@cscc.edu or (614) 287-5319.

 

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