An IUPUI communication studies professor has been honored with the university’s Advocate for Equity in Accessibility Award. Created in 2016, the award recognizes a member of the IUPUI faculty, staff or administration who goes above and beyond to ensure that students with disabilities enjoy all possible benefits of campus life.
This year’s award went to Ronald Sandwina, senior lecturer in the department of communication studies and director of the IUPUI general studies program. Both roles fall within the IU School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI.
Sandwina was honored for helping Adaptive Educational Services (AES) students achieve their academic goals. As a mentor, Sandwina has offered encouragement and guidance. He’s credited with helping many AES students persist through college and graduate.
“Professor Sandwina’s efforts are an example to us all,” said Thomas J. Davis, dean of the School for Liberal Arts at IUPUI. “We appreciate the energy and dedication he brings to helping all IUPUI students succeed and feel welcomed on campus.”
The award was presented at the annual IUPUI Diversity Reception on Wed., Sept. 20, at Sahm’s Atrium in One America Square. Sandwina’s name will be added to the Advocates for Equity in Accessibility Awards wall plaque in Taylor Hall. The plaque is located near the bust of Joseph Taylor, IUPUI’s first dean of Liberal Arts, who was the father of a special needs child and strong supporter of IUPUI’s Adaptive Educational Services and its students.