Advancing inclusive excellence means being willing to ask difficult questions’
Three members of the Clark community have been recognized for advancing equity and inclusion on campus and in the Worcester community, including through research on genocide and institutional accountability, leading initiatives for mentoring programs and leadership training, and fostering inclusive, student-centered spaces for growth and support.
Recipients of the 2026 President’s Achievement Awards for Inclusive Excellence are Anahit Marutyan ’29, Laura Burgess, assistant dean, academic and student services in the School of Business, and Naomi Ashley, assistant director, programming and first generation student support.
Awardees designate a $1,500 gift to a program or department of their choice, supporting Clark’s shared commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity. Burgess’ gift will be directed to the School of Business Student Success Fund and Ashley’s gift will support the MOSAIC Collective and the First-Gen Working Group. Marutyan is also receiving the Distinguished Award for Inclusive Excellence, which includes a $1,000 gift for the awardee.
Members of the Clark community can nominate undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff, student organizations, campus offices, departments, centers, academic or administrative programs, and Clark partnerships within the broader Worcester community.
Anahit Marutyan ’29
Marutyan, who majors in political science and international development and social change, is a Presidential Scholar interested in how legal and policy systems can be designed to be more fair, transparent, and effective, and plans to pursue a career in law. In her first year, she has earned Dean’s List First Academic Honors.
Marutyan currently serves on the Worcester Human Rights Commission, where she collaborates with local government on issues related to policy and accountability. On campus, she is a Student Ambassador in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, vice president of the Student Alumni Relations Committee, and a member of the Pre-Law Society.
In summer 2026, she will serve as a Judicial Intern to Judge Margaret R. Guzman ’89 at the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. She has also contributed research through the Strassler Center, including work published in the American Historical Review focused on genocide and institutional accountability.
“It means a lot to be recognized by the Clark University community,” says Marutyan. “Clark has given me the space to explore what I care about most, especially the intersection of law, human rights, and how institutions actually function, and this recognition feels like a reflection of that journey. A lot of my work has focused on looking closely at systems: how decisions are made, who they impact, and whether they are truly fair in practice. Through my roles with the Worcester Human Rights Commission, the Strassler Center, and in admissions, I’ve tried to approach inclusion not just as a value, but as something that needs to be built into policies and everyday processes in a real and consistent way.
“I’m grateful to be part of a community that encourages that kind of thinking, and I hope to continue this work through law and public service moving forward.”
Laura Burgess
Burgess has worked for the School of Business for 19 years, advancing to her current role as assistant dean. She oversees student and academic services and resources in the School of Business, working diligently to ensure undergraduate and graduate students receive an inclusive and challenging business educational experience in line with their professional and personal goals. She leads initiatives that enhance the business student experience, from mentoring programs and career readiness to leadership training, student orientation and onboarding, and academic planning. She also designed and directed the School of Business Social Innovation Certificate Program, connecting students with hands-on opportunities to tackle real-world challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“I was truly surprised and elated to receive this award and hear that my colleagues recognized my efforts, both large and small, to create an inclusive and welcoming community for all of our School of Business students and the larger Clark student community,” says Burgess. “This has involved building partnerships with external organizations to offer fellowships and scholarships to students, like ROMBA, and developing intentional programs for students to build a sense of belonging here at Clark.
“Working with our diverse and global community students at Clark and in the School of Business has been the most meaningful and impactful part of my job, and it’s why I have chosen to be part of the Clark community for so long,” she continues. “As a first-generation college student, I experienced first-hand the impact of higher education on an individual’s life, and working to provide an inclusive environment so all of our students benefit from this impact as well is what motivates me professionally.”
Naomi Ashley
Ashley is committed to fostering inclusive, student-centered spaces where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. Through her work, she focuses on building meaningful relationships, mentoring students, and creating environments that honor diverse identities and experiences. As the assistant director of programming and first-generation student support, Ashley is passionate about supporting students in navigating both personal and academic challenges while cultivating a strong sense of belonging within the Clark community. Her commitment to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education is rooted in her personal life experiences and the dynamic challenges that historically underrepresented and underserved students face throughout their lifespan.
“It is truly meaningful to be recognized by the Clark community with this award. Much of my work happens in relationship with students, colleagues, and campus partners, so this recognition feels like a reflection of the collective effort to build a more inclusive and supportive campus environment,” says Ashley. “Advancing inclusive excellence, to me, is about intentionality in both practice and relationships. It means recognizing that students have different needs and experiences, and responding in ways that are equitable, affirming, and grounded in care. It is also about collaboration — partnering with others across campus and beyond to expand access, build community, and create pathways for students to thrive.”
“My understanding of diversity and inclusion is deeply informed by my own experiences navigating higher education as an international student, a woman of color, and a student-athlete. Holding these intersecting identities came with both opportunities and challenges, and there were moments where I had to find my sense of belonging,” she continues. “What made a meaningful difference were the mentors who saw me, encouraged me, and created space for me to grow into myself. That experience stays with me and is central to how I approach my work today. I view inclusive excellence as an ongoing practice, one that requires listening, learning, and a willingness to evolve in order to better serve the communities we are a part of.”
