The LBCC 5th Annual Unity Celebration

Decked out with roof lights and sophisticated food arranged on the white cloth, and joined by an audience in button-down shirts and dresses, LBCC's Diversity and Achievement Center turned into a formal award-presenting locale.

On Wednesday, Feb. 26, the DAC held the 5th Annual Unity Celebration. The celebration included establishment of the Gary Westford Community Connection Award. It also featured presentation of the Analee Fuentes Award and poetry performances.

After a quick intro given by Javier Cervantes, director of Diversity and Community Engagement, he invited Dana Emerson to open the ceremony by introducing the Gary Wesford Community Connection Award.

“About everywhere you go on campus, it has Gary’s work in it,” said Emerson, who teaches communication at LBCC. “He doesn’t give because he has to, he gave because he wants to.”

Wesford hugs Emerson after her kind introduction

Emerson then listed some outstanding art projects Wesford has done on LBCC campus in Albany, such as the art displays in North Santiam Hall and other buildings.

The Westford Community Connection Award was established not only for his contribution and effort to our community, but also to inspire others in achieving more diverse and creative community connections.

“One good thing about being old is that I’m here to see changes,” joked Westford, a retired art faculty member. He encouraged students in the audience. “You are in great hands at LBCC.”

The second award was The Analee Fuentes Award. It was established in 2013, and is to honor students, staff, and faculty who have supported and dedicated their efforts to diversity and social justice.

This year, Jordan Hagle, president of Gay Straight Alliance won the student award. Christine Baker, who works with international students at the Admission and Registration office, won the staff award. And the faculty award honored Fred Stuewe and Dean Dowless, who teach welding and fabrication.

A group photo was taken with all the nominees, and Baker finally let the tears go from her watery eyes.

Baker held the award in front of her chest and wiped the tears. “I still can’t believe this just happened," she said. "I can’t believe they picked me.”

Also nominated for the award were: Spike Keenan, Sandra Shinkle, Christy Stevens, Isabela Mackey, James Reddan, and Nancy Tanberg.

Tim Black recites his poetry during the Unity Celebration

In addition to the awards, Tim Black and the LBCC Poetry Club drew the audiences into their poetry performances.

Black, a communication professor and advisor for the Gay Straight Alliance at LBCC, interpreted diversity and social justice through his poems. His powerful delivery included words such as “negro” and references to sex. Black worried about the strong language used at such a formal event. However, Cervantes was very open and responded, “Any language is appropriate.”

Six student members from the LBCC Poetry Club recited a series of poems about the blues. In order, each individual read a poem, followed by guitar music. The club members transformed their poetry into a mini concert.