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K-State Today

Division of Communications and Marketing
Kansas State University
128 Dole Hall
1525 Mid-Campus Drive North
Manhattan, KS 66506
785-532-2535
vpcm@k-state.edu

January 17, 2024

Two to receive Commerce Bank Presidential Awards for promoting diversity at K-State

Submitted by Mirta Chavez

The Division of Student Belonging and Inclusion announces two K-Staters who will receive the Commerce Bank Presidential Awards for promoting diversity at Kansas State University during a reception from 3:30-5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, in the K-State Alumni Center Ballroom.

Maria Teresa DePaoli is the awardee for the Presidential Faculty/Staff Award for Distinguished Services to Historically Under-Represented Students. The award was established in 1978 to recognize outstanding individual contributions to the development of quality education for students of color at K-State.

"Dr. DePaoli has developed innovative courses and activities that promote and enhance human diversity within the department, the university, and the community," one of her nominators said. "She includes service-learning experiences so that students have hands-on intercultural/bilingual interactions and opportunities to serve their communities while they learn. These service-learning activities not only benefit students by working and learning directly from historically underrepresented groups but also benefit non-profit organizations."

DePaoli, an avid researcher, continues to take a deep dive in interrogating borders, discrimination and inequality in the United States. DePaoli's past publications include an international article, "Can the Undocumented Immigrant Speak?" which showcases her work in uplifting the stories and voices of the underrepresented and historically excluded.

DePaoli provides service to the university community as a long-time member of the Diversity Committee in the College of Arts and Sciences. She continues to host guest speakers as experts in the fields of diversity and multiculturalism to the K-State campus. In addition, her service includes the U.S. multicultural overlay subcommittee, where she reviews materials for faculty who are looking to add their course to the overlay. 

Roselle Barretto, doctoral student in the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering, is the recipient of the Commerce Bank Presidential Student Award for Distinguished Services in Enhancing Multiculturalism at Kansas State University. The award, established in spring 1997, recognizes outstanding individual contributions to diversity enhancement within the student sector.

Roselle, a proud first-generation student, said he recognizes the significance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that embraces varying backgrounds and fosters a sense of belonging among all students.

Barretto serves on the Intercultural Leadership Council, a collaboration between the Department of Student Belonging and Inclusion and K-State Governing Student Association. Barretto's service on this council serves as a platform for students to contribute their perspectives and insights in the realms of student advocacy, student access and the promotion of cultural competency.

Barretto was inducted as a new member of the Tri-Alpha Honor Society through the First-generation Student Center, which has provided him with opportunities to promote academic excellence while creating a supportive environment for first-gen college students.

According to one of his nominators, "Roselle's efforts in enhancing multiculturalism and inclusivity go back many years when he first entered K-State as a master's student. He continues to provide invaluable and impactful service across different platforms and organizations."

"Roselle's dedication and leadership have not gone unnoticed, culminating in the well-deserved Sue Barsamian Engineering Student Award for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion," another nominator said. "Remarkably, he is the first-ever graduate student to receive this distinction, which further highlights his contributions and his deep respect for historically underrepresented student populations."

Barretto receives the Commerce Bank Presidential Award to honor his achievements in academics, research, leadership and service in advancing multiculturalism and diversity at K-State.