Brioso, Tillmann, and Walz Recognized for Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

Professor of Critical Media and Cultural Studies Lisa Tillmann, Erin Brioso ’14, and Curator and Interim Director of the Cornell Fine Arts Museum Jonathan F. Walz were named the 2012 recipients of the President’s Award for Diversity and Inclusion. Established in 2010, the award is granted annually to a student, faculty and staff member whose efforts best exemplify the promotion of diversity awareness, representation and inclusion within the Rollins workplace and student community.

Photo by Oriana Jimenez

Lisa Tillmann

Tillmann has been a strong and long-standing proponent of diversity and inclusion, both on campus and off. Issues of race, gender, and sexuality have always been central to her teaching and research agenda, with numerous presentations and publications on homophobia and heterosexism. Her passion for solving social issues and bringing awareness to under-served populations is not just something she teaches to her students, but acts out on a daily basis.

In the community, Tillmann is highly active in the local movement for an Orlando Anti-Discrimination Ordinance and the Equality Florida/Fairness for All Families movement and has worked with the Apopka Farm Workers and Coalition for the Homeless. She uses her strong communication skills and creativity to send messages of social reform to large audiences and serves as a constant inspiration to her students.

Photo by Oriana Jimenez

Erin Brioso ’14

Brioso is praised for her energetic personality, passion, and commitment to the mission of promoting diversity and inclusion at Rollins. As a sophomore, she has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to educate and create awareness of diversity and social justice issues through her involvement in various organizations on campus.

Having worked closely with the Office of Multicultural Affairs over the past two years, Brioso strove to advance diversity awareness, knowledge, and skills within the Rollins community, even contributing articles for The Sandspur to relate multicultural initiatives to campus community.  She has been instrumental in the planning of Rollins’ Martin Luther King celebrations, was a founding member of the Fraternity & Sorority Life Allies initiative, is a Safe Zone Ally, and an executive member of SPECTRUM.  She is highly respected by her peers for her leadership, compassion, and dedication.

Photo by Oriana Jimenez

Jonathan F. Walz

Walz is an inspiration and positive force for the advancement of diversity and inclusion in the Rollins community. As curator and interim director of the Cornell Fine Arts Museum (CFAM), he has used his position and influence to align CFAM with the goals of other co-curricular units on campus, including residential life and the Office of Multicultural Affairs, as well as with local affiliates in the community outside of Rollins.

Through his advising and membership of various cultural organizations on campus , Walz has not only succeeded in improving the environment for individuals from underrepresented groups on campus but has also educated and brought awareness to the campus community on numerous diversity issues. His work and service testify to his commitment to create a more inclusive and tolerant world.


By Justin Braun

Office of Marketing & Communications
For more information, contact news@rollins.edu.