In the twentieth year of its founding, S.A.F.E. Diversity Communities is honoring Lone Star College-University Park President Dr. Shah Ardalan with its prestigious 2020 College President of the Year Award for his dedication to improving the lives of students with disabilities. Through his efforts, Dr. Ardalan continues to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. The award is a tremendous honor given the role S.A.F.E. Diversity plays in the community.

The nonprofit organization has advocated and provided resources for hundreds of students with disabilities throughout its history, giving students a pathway toward academic success who otherwise would not have the opportunity to pursue higher education.

According to Ardalan, the recognition means so much, not just to him personally, but for the entire LSC-University Park community.

"Receiving this distinguished award from such an important organization like S.A.F.E. Diversity is proof of the incredible work that is done every day at LSC-University Park,” Ardalan said. “At LSC-University Park, we empower all students to overcome obstacles as they work to achieve their goals. No barriers or life circumstance should stand in the way of a student seeking education and a brighter path. We are passionate about making equity, diversity and inclusion central to our work with our students and community. I share this award with the dedicated and compassionate faculty, staff and administration who continue to make LSC-University Park the incredible academic institution it is today for all students hoping to make a better future for themselves and their families."

Ardalan will be honored with the award during the Sixth Annual Scholarship Awards Gala on Saturday, July 11, at 11 a.m. The gala will also feature City of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who will receive the S.A.F.E. Diversity Lifetime Achievement Award.

LSC-University Park Disability Services helps improve the lives of current and future students by determining and recommending appropriate academic support services and tailoring those services to their individual situations. Disability Services also focuses on helping students with disabilities make a successful transition to the college and acts as a referral source for services both on campus and within the community that they may use to continue to focus their everyday needs. Services are also provided to dual credit, part-time and full-time students who need accommodations to help them achieve their academic goals.

S.A.F.E. Diversity was founded by Thelma Scott, CEO. Scott's mission is to be an advocate and mentor to students with disabilities and prepare them for higher education. Through her organization, Scott says she is able to reduce the dropout and suicide rate for disabled students. She also works to empower them by equipping students to become self-sufficient, discover their maximum potential and achieve their academic goals. 

S.A.F.E. Diversity also encourages students and their families to realize that communities are "Safer, Stronger and Better" when they come together to advocate for diversity, inclusion and equality. The organization educates students, parents and extended family members through monthly workshops and roundtable mentoring sessions. Every year S.A.F.E. Diversity Communities continues to provide more scholarship opportunities for students dealing with financial hardship so they have a chance to seek out their academic and professional dreams.

"Dr. Ardalan is an amazing man with so much honor," said Scott. "I'm proud to be a part of this because I'm a graduate of Lone Star College. I love LSC and what Dr. Ardalan has been able to do to help students go to college."

Scott noted that she struggled when she first started taking classes 20 years ago, but that all changed when LSC faculty and staff members helped her receive assistance through Disability Services. After Scott realized she had a learning disability and was able to get help, she started doing better in classes and eventually graduated from the college. Now, Scott says she hopes to pass on the kindness and patience that LSC staff showed her all those years ago.

For more information, updates and a link to the virtual gala, visit safediversity.org or the LSC-University Park Facebook page.