LSMRCE Recognizes the Impacts of Dr. Anthony Quinn in Celebration of Black History Month
Dr. Tony Quinn
The late Dr. Tony Quinn (1958-2018)
Louis Stokes Midwest Regional Center of Excellence (LSMRCE) posthumously recognizes the work of the late Anthony Quinn (1958-2018). Among his many roles on this earth, Dr. Quinn served as a researcher, professor, faculty mentor, and champion of broadening participation of underrepresented minority students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) at The University of Toledo (UT).
"Tony poured his heart and considerable energy into providing meaningful support for so many of our students. He did this through multiple avenues, including co-developing a summer bridge program for incoming students, to get them off to a strong start at college; mentoring many individual students; supporting the We are STEMM initiative; and being involved with Brothers on the Rise, among other groups. Because of his efforts, many of these students are now well on their way to success." - Karen Bjorkman, Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Toledo.
John Plenefisch, Interim Dean, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Toledo remembers Dr. Quinn, "[Tony] was a tireless advocate for inclusivity here on campus, and I can recall many long conversations with him on how we could improve the success of students of color in not only our undergraduate programs but in graduate programs as well. What also should not be overlooked is that his involvement in the Strategic Plan is apparent through the goals pertaining to student success and retention.” Chris Botanga, Executive Director for the Center for STEM Education and Research at Chicago State University (CSU) and one of the PIs and Co-Director for the LSMRCE states, "Dr. Quinn was a champion who passionately embraced the vision of the NSF to broaden the participation of URM in STEM, and was committed to do whatever was necessary to make this happen. He was tireless in his contributions to the LSMCE, and as the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at UT, he drove to Chicago on March 16, 2016, for a meeting at CSU aimed at establishing a pipeline for CSU students to matriculate into STEMM Ph.D. programs at UT."
Today, his legacy lives on through the Tony Quinn We Are STEMM Initiative at the University of Toledo. The program strives to recruit and retain underrepresented minority students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine through student fellowships, professional education, and mentoring programs. If you would like to contribute to the Tony Quinn We Are STEMM fellowship fund, please visit the website: https://www.utfoundation.org/give/quinnfellowship/.
