U. presents awards to those promoting diversity, equity in community

The Committee to Advance Our Common Purposes (CACP) awarded 29 University faculty, students and organizations for their commitment to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in the Rutgers community, according to a press release. 

The CACP is a University committee dedicated to promoting community outreach and engagement. The highest honor bestowed is the Clement A. Price Human Dignity Award, akin to celebrating a lifetime of accomplishments. 

This award was given to Gloria Bonilla-Santiago, the founder of LEAP Academy University Charter School and a distinguished service professor in the Graduate Department of Public Policy and Administration. The charter school is located in Camden, serving as an educational institution for infants to high school students and presenting an opportunity to attend Rutgers tuition-free. 

Since the formation of the school in 2005, 100 percent of each class has graduated and received a college placement. Bonilla-Santiago's model is being developed internationally as well, in places such as Puerto Rico and Cuba, according to the release.

Other accolades distributed in the ceremony were the Public Good Pinnacle Awards, the Torchbearer Awards and the Impact Awards.