ERIE, Pa. — Grace Mumo, a junior majoring in elementary and early childhood education at Penn State Behrend, is the recipient of the 2024 Jackson Lethbridge Tolerance Award.
The award recognizes a junior, senior or graduate student for outstanding efforts to enhance the understanding of diverse cultures and create a community where all individuals are accepted and valued equally. The award is named for its benefactor, a Penn State alumnus.
Nominators said Mumo doesn’t just excel academically. She’s shown an array of abilities and a caring spirit through her involvement in various student organizations and other causes. Through this involvement, nominators said, Mumo promotes equity, diversity and a respectful campus community.
Mumo is the programming director for the Student Government Association, multicultural council executive board member, global ambassador and Black Student Union executive board member. She’s also active in the community, nominators said.
Nominators said Mumo uses her leadership roles to foster respectful tolerance for the differences among her peers. They said she helps to create a space that encourages dialogue and celebrates belonging and diversity.
“During her time at Penn State Behrend, Grace emerged as a remarkable example of an open minded and inclusive leader,” a nominator said. “Her tireless efforts to promote responsible citizenship and cultivate an atmosphere of civil respect for diversity have had a profound impact on our campus community. One of Grace's most admirable qualities is her inclusive approach to addressing diverse perspectives that enrich our community. She participates in initiatives that promote dialogue, understanding and appreciation for the differences that make our community vibrant and dynamic.”