ISSUED: 27 May 2021
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Zane Lewis, a recreation and sport studies major from Finksburg, Maryland, and member of the Ram football team, is the first recipient of the Shepherd University Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI) Student of the Year Award. The Office for Diversity and Equity gives the award to a Shepherd student who has demonstrated exemplary social justice advocacy as evidenced by campus leadership, community service, and overall achievement.
Lewis is an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was appointed by President Mary J.C. Hendrix as the student representative to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Social Justice Committee, which represents a broad spectrum of backgrounds with the common goal of combating racism and injustice while focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion within PSAC.
Hendrix called Lewis an “extraordinary ambassador” for Shepherd when, after last year’s George Floyd tragedy, he took it upon himself to engage in a discussion about race, the police, and social justice with a group of Maryland police officers.
“I am very blessed to receive this award,” Lewis said. “I’m excited for what the future holds. I hope that I can help more people during my time at Shepherd and continue to make my family proud.”
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