IUP GRADUATE NAMED RECIPIENT FOR INAUGURAL ‘KEEPER OF THE FLAME’ AWARD

IUP announced this afternoon that a 1981 graduate was named as a recipient of an award from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

According to a news release, Debra Evans Smith, a 1981 criminology graduate, is a recipient of the inaugural Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Keeper of the Flame award.

Photo courtesy of IUP.

The award honors Foundation Builders who are longstanding contributors to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at their respective universities. Foundation Builders consist of employees, whether past or present; alumni; or community stakeholders who are longstanding contributors to those efforts.

Smith’s background carries a lot of accolades, including being one of the first 50 black female agents in the FBI during the 1980s, along with winning top honors for her role in the Robert Hanssen case, among others. She also received the Attorney General Award for Intelligence, the U.S. Attorney’s Award, and the National Intelligence Community Certificate of Distinction.

The virtual 2022 State System DEI Summit will be held November 2 to 4. It is open to all students and employees in the State System.