Diversity and Inclusion
You Belong Here
Edgewood University is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable campus where every person feels valued, respected, and supported. Guided by Catholic Social Teaching and our Dominican values, we stand against discrimination and work to advance justice, compassion, and human dignity in all aspects of campus life.
Within the Division of Mission, Values, and Inclusion, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) helps create a welcoming and empowering environment for all members of our community by:
- Expanding access and opportunity for first-generation and underrepresented students
- Supporting affinity groups, inclusive spaces, and campus programs that build belonging
- Celebrating the lived experiences and identities that make our community strong.
- Partnering with Campus Ministry to prepare student leaders to lead with purpose and contribute to the common good
- Providing education and resources that strengthen intercultural understanding and communication
Through ongoing programs, partnerships, and advocacy, the DEI Office puts Edgewood’s commitment to inclusion into action. Whether you’re a prospective or current student, employee, alumnus, or a community member, belonging here is more than a promise. It’s something you experience every day.
Land Acknowledgement
We honor and recognize the sacred land on which Edgewood University stands. Aligned with our Dominican heritage, educational mission, and core values, we recognize our responsibility to be thoughtful stewards of this land and the Native burial mounds located throughout our campus.
We respectfully acknowledge our local First Nation, the Ho-Chunk, and the additional eleven Indigenous Nations of Wisconsin whose histories, cultures, and ongoing presence continue to shape our state and our local community. This recognition informs our commitment to education, relationship-building, and responsible stewardship.
Alumni | Champions of Diversity and Inclusion
An Edgewood education ignites a passion for lifelong learning and forms visionary leaders who embody the Sinsinawa Dominican values of truth, justice, compassion, partnership, and community. Here are just a few of the many Edgewood alumni who have been recognized for their work in fostering an inclusive and equitable world.
Sr. Bernadine Karge, a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa, dedicated more than 30 years to practicing immigration law in the nonprofit sector while also teaching pastoral ministry. Since retiring, she has continued to volunteer extensively for immigrant communities and advocate for immigration reform through legal clinics, NETWORK’s Nuns on the Bus, and speaking engagements. She is proud to be an Edgewood Eagle!
Mathias is an alumnus of the university’s Emerging Leaders Program . His passion for working with people and creating meaningful engagement opportunities guided his founding of MLC Consulting, which focuses on helping individuals and organizations achieve their goals through intentional community engagement.
Myra McNair, founder and visionary behind Anesis Therapy, opened the clinic in 2016 as its sole therapist and has grown it into a team of more than 50 dedicated professionals providing culturally sensitive care. Guided by the West African principle of Sankofa, she helps clients draw wisdom from their past to shape healing and strength for future generations. Through her leadership, teaching, and mentorship, Myra continues to advance a more inclusive, compassionate, and culturally informed mental health field.
Meet the DEI Team
Behind every initiative is a team ready to listen, support, and collaborate with you.
jacblack@edgewood.edu
rsims@edgewood.edu
aokelue@edgewood.edu
Spanish-Speaking Liaison
mchacin@edgewood.edu