Vice President for Campus Life, Inclusive Excellence Recognized by NFL for Community Involvement

Dr. Solis being presented with award at Baltimore Ravens Stadium

Posted by: Elizabeth Richardson on October 18, 2019, No Comments

East Stroudsburg University’s Vice President for Campus Life and Inclusive Excellence, Santiago Solis, Ed.D., was honored by the Baltimore Ravens and the National Football League last Sunday as part of a series of special events during Hispanic Heritage Month. During the Ravens’ game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Baltimore, Dr. Solis received the NFL’s Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award in recognition of his contributions as a Hispanic leader in Baltimore while he resided in the area. In addition to the award, Dr. Solis was also asked to select an agency that would receive a $2,000 donation from the NFL. Solis identified CASA, an organization that is devoted to “employment placement, workforce development/training, health education, citizenship, and financial, language and literacy training to Latino and immigrant communities …” throughout Maryland. For the past 12 years Solis volunteered with CASA because of the organization’s commitment to immigrants and advocacy for undocumented individuals.

Dr. Solis became ESU’s vice president for campus life and inclusive excellence on September 23, 2019. He brings more than 25 years of experience in diversity, education, administrative leadership and community involvement to his new role at ESU.

“Receiving this award was a great honor and humbling experience for me,” said. Solis. “My hope is that this recognition will inspire students and others to do all they can to lift up and help their communities. It’s all about getting involved and making a difference in the lives of those around us.” For Dr. Solis, civic engagement is extremely important and he looks forward to working with students, faculty, and staff at ESU on volunteer and service initiatives to benefit the Poconos region.

While new to ESU and the surrounding community, Solis has already been impressed by the University’s commitment to its surrounding communities. In September nearly 100 members of the campus community joined the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau and local businesses in the county-wide clean up initiative, Pick Up The Poconos. He’s heard of the work done with ESU and the Salvation Army for their Harvest Festival and the collaboration the university had with the Greater Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce/East Stroudsburg Community Alliance for the inaugural Picklefest. “These are just a few examples I’ve seen so far, that shows ESU’s commitment to the community,” Solis said. “I am looking forward to participating in these and other community initiatives throughout the Pocono Mountains Region, serving alongside fellow Warriors.”

This was the ninth year for this NFL campaign and this year’s theme was “Feel the Orgullo.” In Spanish, the word “orgullo” means pride. For more information about the NFL’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, fans may visit www.NFL.com/HispanicHeritage.