Stroble Discusses University’s Commitment to Diversity at Annual NAACP Dinner
February 23, 2022
Webster University Chancellor Elizabeth (Beth) J. Stroble highlighted Webster University’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion during the NAACP’s 110th Anniversary and Annual Freedom Fund Dinner, held last week in downtown St. Louis.
Stroble attended with Webster University alumnus and St. Louis Development Corporation Executive Director Neal Richardson to jointly receive the Freeman/Seay Commitment to St. Louis Award.
Chancellor Stroble at the Freedom Fund Dinner with (left to right) Vincent C. Flewellen, Webster University chief diversity officer; Dr. Latonia Collins-Smith, president of Harris-Stowe State University; and Michael McMillan, president and CEO of St. Louis Urban League.
“As in Neal's case, at Webster we believe that our students' and alumni's success is the truest measure of our success,” Stroble said to the audience. “We take our duty to serve those who are underserved seriously. We are an institution committed to meeting unmet needs and invite all who share this commitment to join us on the path to greater equity and inclusion.”
She told the attendees how more than 41,000 African American students at Webster have earned more than 47,000 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. For the past 31 years, Webster University has been in the top 10 of all Universities in the country for conferring master’s degrees to African American students, she said. “On the undergraduate level, we fund full tuition scholarships for 10 Suggs Scholars in honor of Dr. Donald M. Suggs each year, more than any university or college in this region,” she noted, as one more indicator of the university’s investment in the St. Louis community.
The theme for this year’s dinner was “Transforming Communities Through Education, Social Justice and Civic Engagement.” Stroble was honored for her distinguished leadership at Webster.
Stroble also nominated Richardson for the award. He earned a bachelor’s degree in
business administration from Webster University in 2010 and an MBA in 2011. Richardson
is the executive director of the St. Louis Development Corporation. He also is the
co-founder of the non-profit organization Dreambuilders 4 Equity, a St. Louis organization
that rehabs vacant houses, employing minority and youth contractors from the region
to do the work. Besides on-the-job experience and professional development, the contractors
earn equity in both the real estate that is worked on as well as a percentage of the
profits from annual books published by the organization about their regional efforts.
The award, named in honor of the late Attorney Frankie Muse Freeman and the late civil rights activist Norman R. Seay, is presented annually in recognition of exemplary service, distinguished leadership and commitment to improve the cultural, social and economic growth and development of the St. Louis area.
The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the nation’s oldest civil rights organization. Founded in 1909 by a coalition of black political activists and white progressives, the NAACP is responsible for numerous victories in the struggle for justice and equality in America. The St. Louis City NAACP is at the forefront of issues paramount to the St. Louis community aimed at civic engagement, youth empowerment, and eliminating disparities in economic development, affordable healthcare, equality of education, technology and political empowerment.