College & University Testimonials

"The response from those who participated in both sessions was outstanding, and many members of our administration expressed a strong interest in inviting you back to present to those who were unable to attend! Of the many diversity initiative programs we have attempted to bring our student and faculty bodies at Norwich, this was, by far, the most successful!" --Nicole DiDomenico, Director of Volunteer Programs at Norwich University
The Department of Residential Life at the University of Vermont (UVM) is committed to creating and maintaining communities that are welcoming and accepting of people of all ethnicities, abilities, ages, sex, gender or identity expression, national origins, religions, and sexual orientations. The Resident Advisors who live and work with the students in our residence halls are responsible for promoting this important mission. The Department of Residential Life invited J.W. Wiley to UVM to facilitate a Diversity Enlightenment Session for our Resident Advisor and Professional Staff members during our 2006 winter staff training. The Diversity Enlightenment session was engaging, thought-provoking, and truly meaningful for the student and professional staff members present. Many Resident Advisors remarked that the Diversity Enlightenment session was the best diversity training they had ever experienced, and the quantitative feedback provided by J.W. proved that their sentiments were widely held by the rest of the staff as well. We have invited J.W. back to campus for our Fall 2006 Resident Advisor Training and we are eagerly anticipating his return to campus. I give J.W. my highest possible recommendation. --Stephen Sweet, Residence Director, University of Vermont

As co-chair of the Pace University President’s Commission on Diversity, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your outstanding work with us during the retreats we held in November 2005 and March 2006. I admire your dedication, enthusiasm and sophistication working with such sensitive topics as diversity, inclusion and oppression. You helped facilitate discussions with our group that were both challenging and enlightening. Your sense of humor and overall personality makes one comfortable, yet you are still able to push an individual beyond their comfort zone and facilitate effectively through that process. I thank you for the work that you have done with our group, and the important work that you continue to do in the field. --Shanelle Henry Robinson, Director, Office of Diversity Programs, Pace University

The presentation you gave to the students was exactly what they needed. I was impressed by your organization, style, wisdom, candor, and ability to engage your audience. After you left, the students continued to discuss issues you raised for an additional 1½ hours; a tribute to your effectiveness. --Dr. Mike Morgan, Chair, Comm. Disorders and Sciences, SUNY Plattsburgh
"I thought the Diversity Enlightenment session was outstanding! J.W. was engaging, knowledgeable, and able to present sensitive topics in a unique and interesting way. The feedback from faculty, staff, administrators, and students was very positive. We can't wait to have him back to do the presentation again!" --Karen Pelletier, Co-Organizer for the Norwich University Diversity Initiative
J.W. Wiley is more than a valuable resource on this campus. After attending one of his films, or a diversity enlightenment session, it is clear that he can tackle the difficult subjects that he must address with grace and confidence. --Adam Disque, President, SUNY Platttsburgh Student Association (2001)

Middle & High School Testimonials

In addressing sensitive issues surrounding diversity and leadership, it is critical for an organization to partner with a consultant on these matters who holds the highest ethical standards. My experience with J.W. suggests that he is driven by a sincere desire to make the world a better place. I recommend J.W. Wiley to you as someone who will be a guide and guardian of your organization's mission, if you value a culture of diversity and leadership. --Michelle Kavanaugh, Ed.D. Superintendent of Plattsburgh City School District
I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know how much our school appreciated your enlightenment session. One of my main goals, as the Principal at Peru Middle School, is to create a safe and healthy environment free of bullying and intolerance. Exposing our student body to this program helps us meet those expectations as well as meeting state standards for character education. It is my hope that we can continue to have programs of this nature with you and your staff. In the near future, I look forward to talking with you on how we can make an even greater impact on the students of Peru Middle School next year! --Chris Mazzella, Principal at Peru Middle School
I would like to commend your group for a quality and thought provoking series of presentations. The landscape of our school has been changed. The power and clarity of your message has allowed the staff to engage our students in discussions of greater depth and meaning. I believe our school is becoming a location where differences are celebrated, thoughts are shared and kindness is a common place. --Garth J. Frechette, Principal at Beekmantown High School
Thank you very much for a wonderful thought provoking workshop that you provided to our forty 8th grade students. I want to share with you a quote that a student wrote on their evaluation form: "It made me think about the way I live my life and how I want to change it." --Heidi McLaughlin, Outreach Coordinator at VSAC
Thank you for promoting 'Diversity Enlightenment' in the North Country and more specifically here at Beekmantown High School (BHS). Since the November sessions I have consistently noticed an increased awareness in students with whom I meet. I have found that this has resulted in counselor-student relationships steeped in greater understanding and one that is more likely to yield real growth. In recent times 'bullying' has become more and more a concern here at Beekmantown. Promoting student awareness is critical to begin to address the issue and improve school climate. I would like to thank you again for your efforts and remarkable success in reaching our students as we at BHS work toward and environment that is more respectful of difference, kinder, and one in which our students feel more safe. --Daniel Bobbett, Counselor at Beekmantown Central High School
Thank you for presenting your Enlightenment Session to our 6th, 7th, & 8th grade classes at Beekmantown Middle School. I was very impressed with the reaction from our students and faculty regarding the session. You really grabbed the student's attention and were able to reach them in a non threatening way. The students are starting to become more aware of diversity and embrace more than just differences in cultures. Teaching our students about diversity enables them to learn more about themselves. What you do is very needed and important in today's society. We would encourage all business, educational institutions, etc. to partake in the Enlightenment Session. One can only benefit by learning about themselves and others. Thank you for making a difference at Beekmantown Middle School. --Christine Tedford, Counselor at Beekmantown Middle School

Previous XD clients include: Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Chazy, NY; Pace University, NYC; Paul Smiths College, NY; Excelsior College, NY; UVM, VT; Bombardier Corp., NYC; City of Seattle, WA; and Princeton Junior Scholars, NJ

This page was last updated 02 April 2010
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