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Carlos Andrés Gómez, an award-winning poet, actor, writer and gifted storyteller, kicked off Nebraska Athletics' first-ever Diversity and Inclusion Summit Sunday for nearly 600 Husker student-athletes. Gómez also launched a similar session Monday for another 300 Nebraska Athletics coaches, administrators and staff. A New York native and author of Man Up: Reimagining Modern Manhood, Gómez said he understands why "Nebraska is one of the most admired places in the country" and why "it has such an aura about it."
According to Gómez, Nebraska's “firsts” in such areas as athletics nutrition and strength and conditioning training may have added another pioneering component to the Huskers' national leadership treasure chest. “When I think of Diversity and Inclusion and ask for training, I'm hoping and putting out there that this can be another historical landmark for the University of Nebraska,” Gómez said.
After watching 900 individuals attend Sunday's two sessions and Monday's single session Summit, “I can envision other programs around the country saying we want to do what Nebraska has already done,” Gómez said. “As you listen to the speakers brought together here today, keep that in mind as you watch. All are very different, but all represent the same thing.”
Zimmer: The Nebraska Way – Respect, Acceptance and Unity
Nebraska Director of Athletics Shawn Eichorst and Husker Senior Associate Athletics Director Keith Zimmer launched the Summit to reflect three compelling words that now define The Nebraska Way – Respect, Acceptance and Unity.
“Last year, we talked about inclusion all the time,” Eichorst said. “We're a hard-working, passionate, humble group of people who care about everything and everyone, and today, hopefully, we embodied that in opening up our minds and our hearts about the differences we all have.” Those differences were dramatized creatively and compellingly through three additional keynote speakers – Eric Lueshen, a former Nebraska football placekicker who was openly gay in the early 2000s; Husker softball coaching legend Rhonda Revelle; and Rohan Murphy, who lost both of his legs at birth, but went on to wrestle at Penn State, lettering three times before becoming an accomplished international power lifter.
Big Ten Diversity Intern Played an Important Role in Summit
“The Diversity and Inclusion Summit turned out to be more significant than we can ever imagine,” said Lawrence Chatters (pictured above), Nebraska's Big Ten Conference Diversity Intern who has developed and implemented Nebraska Athletics' strategic plan for diversity and inclusion.
“Student-athletes, administrators, coaches and staff members were all touched,” Chatters said Monday afternoon. “Everybody got something out of this. Feedback has been very positive because people were exposed to stories that were personal, real and compelling. As a result of that, I think it helped everyone dig deeper into themselves to at least give people a chance, and that's what's most important."
Boyd Epley agrees. "It was a reminder for me to be more accepting of everyone for who they are," Nebraska's assistant athletic director for strength and conditioning told me.
Acceptance, respect and unity are “amazing” components Nebraska strives to add to its culture. “We want it to bring attention to that and highlight the fact that we have diversity in our population here,” Chatters said. “We have a diverse staff, coaches and administrators, and we wanted to highlight what we have to offer here.”
In my own straw poll of nearly 20 attendees, every keynote speaker struck a positive chord among Nebraska student-athletes, coaches, administrators and staff. “I saw a transformation and what hopefully will become the beginning of an energy center for our whole country,” Chatters said, referring to what he hopes will become a national movement of talking about tough diversity and inclusion issues.
Nebraska Culture Catalyst Revelle Bared Soul, Moved People
Revelle's story was captivating because she's a catalyst for Nebraska's culture. “Her stories, perseverance and success are uniquely Nebraska,” Chatters said. “For her to stand among her peers and be transparent, I think for many of those coaches and the students yesterday, it was an experience that they'll never forget. We're all honored and blessed to have Rhonda (pictured above) here. She just really bared her soul and it moved people.”
Nebraska Men's Basketball Coach Tim Miles was intrigued with Revelle sharing the questions that she tries to ask herself every day to stay relevant and helpful while continuing her amazing journey as a Husker women's head coach. Those questions include: Who needs me today? Who needs a smile, a high five, someone who has failed or may need some encouragement? When I get home, it's still who needs me today? Who might need my prayers? Who needs you to shine your light into their light?
Miles was particularly taken by this question that Revelle mentioned: If (former Nebraska Senior Women's Administrator) Dr. (Barbara) Hibner was still alive, would she rehire me today, based on what I've done today? Would I have wanted to be coached by me today?
Chatters said it was a high priority to pursue a unique mix of people who all had a relevant connection to athletics. Here are thoughts from Summit attendees:
Mike Cavanaugh, Nebraska Football Offensive Line Coach (pictured above with Rohan Murphy): “There were a lot of lessons learned from listening to every speaker. From an educational standpoint, it hit home because we're in the people business. Every person is individually different and we all have to learn how to relate to people. Everything that came across today was highly motivational, not just powerful but VERY powerful.”
Nebraska Assistant Women's Basketball Coach Amy Stephens: “People are the most important part of every program, and that's why today's Summit on Diversity and Inclusion was so impactful. Every speaker was inspiring. I'm grateful to work at a University that celebrates our differences, accepts our differences and leverages our differences so we can work in an exceptional environment of respect and lead with unity. We all want to live an authentic life, and I'm so proud to be a Husker. I see Nebraska becoming a national front-runner in another category that means a lot to all student-athletes, plus recruits who want to be part of a program that blazes new trails.”
Husker Women's Basketball Student-Athlete Emily Wood: “Rohan Murphy was incredibly inspirational Sunday night. To see someone live with such courage and fortitude in the face of adversity was a great reminder that we can always find a way to achieve our goals when we decide that nothing is going to stop us. Rohan's life motto is 'no excuses', and when someone with every reason to give an excuse chooses not to, it really makes you reflect on obstacles in your own life and how you choose to handle them.”
Nebraska Head Cross Country Coach David Harris: “This wasn't just another meeting. We didn't know all that it was going to include, but I thought it was very emotional and very worthwhile for the entire staff. I think we all needed to hear what every speaker spoke about.”
Former Nebraska placekicker Eric Lueshen, a Pierce, Neb., native, shared his personal story with student-athletes, coaches and staff.
Nebraska Soccer Student-Athlete Caroline Flynn: “Overall, the Summit provided student-athletes at Nebraska with the opportunity to listen and engage in a variety of important topics. All speakers had their own unique story and background. All of the topics discussed are prevalent in our everyday lives here on campus and beyond. In the end, what rang true from most of the speakers was that even though we all have our differences as humans, we have a lot more in common than we think, and it is our responsibility to get to know one another before passing judgments. Nebraska is a great University with a powerful tradition. Ultimately, Nebraska is our home away from home and a place where we can feel safe and accepted regardless of our differences.”
Husker Men's Assistant Tennis Coach Fungai Tongoona: The Summit was better than what I thought and more than what I expected. It was a game-changer for me because I came to Nebraska (to play and then help coach) from an African country. We didn't talk about gays, we didn't talk about transgender, and we didn't talk about disabilities. I grew up in Zimbabwe, a country where if you come out, you won't make it to the next day. This was a very impactful experience for me. I'm glad I wasn't in the office this morning and was here instead."
Nebraska Softball Student-Athlete Mattie Fowler: “The Diversity and Inclusion Summit was an inspiring call to action. Each featured speaker shared a unique story and explained how a teammate, coach or friend had been a critical part of their journey to acceptance. Carlos Gomez struck home when he explained that athletics has often been an equalizer, because once you're on the field, nothing matters beyond how hard you can compete. Carlos challenged us to be leaders when it comes to diversity and inclusion, not just on the field, but also on campus and in our communities. Rohan Murphy reminded us that inclusion is not a political issue, but a human issue that we all must embrace. Nebraska Athletics will follow the lead of these incredible individuals by continuing to embrace diversity now and in the future. As athletes, we will answer the call to action by standing up for our peers and creating a positive, supportive environment for everyone.”
Nebraska Women's Swimmer Bria Deveaux: “All the stories shared Sunday night were very touching. I think this Summit is important and beneficial because diversity and inclusion are key to the success of any program. Even though on the surface I'm pretty different than most of my teammates, I've never felt excluded or alone and that's made for a couple of very successful years for us. If Nebraska can make this topic aware and present in all student-athletes' minds, our athletic department can thrive in many different ways.”
Nebraska Athletics Chief Development Officer Alex Kringen: “I thought all the speakers were dynamic and brought an array of life experiences that often serve as a great reminder to why we do things, who we do them for and the impact it will have on their lives moving forward. Working in intercollegiate athletics, we have a tremendous responsibly to first serve our student-athletes, but we also have a tremendous responsibility to serve external constituents and investors that provide the resources to make our athletic department operational.
Coach Revelle's comments hit home to me when talking about losing your why, in college athletics it's very easy to get distracted by many things that are beyond your control and can sometimes consume you, but if you work each day, focus on your why, and align your strengths and efforts to your why, you can have a clear vision and purpose to how you fit into and flourish within your team. Coming from another university athletic department to Nebraska with a different perspective, new ideas or concepts and different experiences can be a challenge. Although there may be some bumps or small blocks in the road, you have to stay true and believe in yourself, knowing that you are working to do the right things to advance and serve the athletic department and its constituents.”
Nebraska Senior Athletics Director Keith Zimmer (pictured above): “To be one and to be united is our ultimate goal. Unity is the very essence of Nebraska Athletics. With 332 strong, working as one, doing our jobs to the best of our abilities, supporting one another to ensure the best ever, most inclusive student-athlete experience anywhere, all while respecting the right to be different, which enriches lives and demonstrates acceptance. As a reminder of our first annual Summit, we ask our entire Athletics Department to wear their respective bracelets with pride and honor…the Nebraska Way, each and every day ... RESPECT, ACCEPTANCE AND UNITY.”
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