IW announces establishment of Susan Mosely Grandison Diversity and Inclusion Fund

MT. PLEASANT - Iowa Wesleyan University announced the establishment of the Susan Mosely Grandison Diversity and Inclusion Fund on Friday as a demonstration of 'its commitment to the values of diversity, equality and inclusion.

In a news release, the university explained the fund is named after the first Black graduate of the university. Grandison was 'reportedly born a slave” and moved to Mt. Pleasant with her family as a toddler. She was also the first Black student to earn an advanced degree from the University in 1888.

'Susan's parents were committed to providing educational opportunities for their children. In return, Susan dedicated her life and career to ensuring that black students had the same opportunities she had to pursue a college degree,” the school's statement reads.

The university plans to use the funds to support various programs focused on diversity including developing relationships with national organizations, hosting educational training on campus and sponsoring national conferences on issues of race.

IW President Christine Plunkett said the university 'has an obligation to address past and current injustices to those who have been historically disadvantaged and socially, politically, and economically excluded.”

'It is not enough to express our commitment to core values that reflect social justice and civility. Our mission states that we are a transformational learning community, and we must double down on our commitment to impact change through education. As a higher educational institution, it is incumbent on us to support and encourage demands for individual justice and broad social change,” she added.