The University of Lynchburg held its seventh-annual Mosaic Gala on Saturday, April 26, in Burton Dining Hall.
The event, with the theme of “Kaleidoscope,” celebrated students, faculty, staff, and alumni who support justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging at the University.
“Kaleidoscopes are made up of so many unique colors, patterns, shapes, and reflections, which symbolize the folks we have here on campus,” said Alexis Scott, Lynchburg’s assistant director of student diversity initiatives.
“Individually, we are great, but the real art happens when we all come together with our diverse experiences, perspectives, and personalities to create this beautiful masterpiece that is the University of Lynchburg.”
The well-attended, free event is hosted by the Office of University Experience and Student Success and supported financially by various campus offices. This year’s gala included live entertainment by spoken word artist Petrina Bryant and comedian P.T. Bratton. There also was a cash bar and a buffet dinner, catered by Lynchburg’s Hopwood & LaRue.
In addition, numerous awards were presented to members of the University community.
Karen Zongrone, executive assistant to the vice president for the Office of University Experience and Student Success, received the Patience and Fortitude Award. It honors someone who “exemplifies the ideals of patience and fortitude” and “remaining strong and supportive, no matter the issue or circumstances.”
The Always Becoming Award was given to Kai Gutierrez-Wood ’28. It honors a first-year Lynchburg student who “shows perseverance in upholding the values of the University” and is an “evolving leader and … reflection of the University of Lynchburg’s vision to ‘always be becoming.’”
The Community Engagement Award went to Kaylin Harper ’27. It’s presented to someone who “focuses their efforts on growing and improving diversity and inclusion to impact the surrounding Lynchburg community for the betterment of everyone.”
Dr. Niki Delis ’22 DMSc, a clinical assistant professor of PA medicine and director of didactic education, received the Exemplary Mentor Award. It’s given to an employee who “serves as a role model to the student body” and is “dedicated to empowering students to become leaders, encouraging integrity, and is a beacon of inspiration.”
The Voice of Peace and Inclusion Award was presented to Jenny Moran Serrano ’27. It “honors a student or University employee who uses their voice to promote inclusion in their personal, professional, and/or collegiate journey” and who is “thriving in the realm of inclusivity.”
Tristan Fellers ’27 received the Distinguished Leadership Award, presented to a student who “has served as a pillar for the University” and “has contributed outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to the campus community.”
The Mosaic Gala Award was given to Olivia Upton ’25. It “honors a senior who has exemplified excellent leadership and service, while honoring the mosaic culture of our campus,” and who has “left their individualistic mosaic pieces with their peers, faculty, staff, and surrounding community.”
The Helen Mundy Witt Mosaic Gala Award was presented to Dr. Robert Canida II, Lynchburg’s chief inclusive excellence officer.
Named for Lynchburg’s first Black graduate, the late Dr. Helen Mundy Witt ’67, ’78 MEd, ’13 DEd, the award “recognizes an individual who has enhanced the culture of inclusion on campus by promoting togetherness, diversity, and respect; created opportunities for everyone; and strengthened connections between people of different backgrounds and experiences.”
The Neurodiverse Student Alliance was presented with the Inclusive Excellence Award, and Organization of the Year went to the Gender and Sexuality Alliance.
“I love the Mosaic Gala,” said the Rev. Dr. Nathan Albert, Lynchburg’s chaplain and assistant vice president for belonging. “It shows our commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as honors individual students, employees, and student groups that hold these values.
“This year, the spoken word artist and comedian were great entertainment, and seeing so many people dressed to the nines always makes this event one of my favorites.”
