Tender fingers interlace into a warm embrace. Individual thoughts converge into a remarkable idea. A sense of unity glows amongst multiple pursuits of peace. The union of humanity has been a common topic through many years. Though we haven’t achieved a worldwide unity, we still strive to find common ground between each other. We also offer inclusive programs and activities for people of all diversities. Life is far easier with the help of others. No one understands that greater than Lucie McDonald.

Having worked with the Navy for many years and acquiring many other experiences in her life thus far, Lucie strives for her students to explore an open attitude toward others. She says after a short laugh, “I really like the idea of listening to other people and helping them assess the problem and figure out the solution. But learning is a two-way street . . . I learn so much from my students!” As she continues to explore diversity and inclusion with her students, Lucie aids them in their own struggles, offering them new ways to think positively and carry their dreams forward.

Diverse Expertise

An adjunct at Rosemont College for over thirty years, Lucie works endlessly to focus students toward diversity and equity. Though she’s taught various courses here, some of her favorite courses are an undergraduate negotiation course as well as the graduate thesis. She explains with a wide smile, “I like working directly with students…I would teach anything they ask me to teach. I have a broad knowledge area.” Another favorite course of hers is Diversity in the Workplace. She admits with some sorrow, “That’s kind of a buzzword right now with a negative connotation, which is so untrue and unfair.” However, she perks up and explains, “I love it, because it overlaps with things I experienced with the Navy…I can disabuse people of false information and instill accurate information that will help them in a personal or professional space.”

Leading by Example

As an open, worldly person, Lucie yearns to help others through an open mind and respect. She explains with a gentle voice, “We think we don’t have an impact on the world around us, but if we hold the course and keep doing what we’ve been doing and exhibiting respect to others, I think that people will learn by example.” Lucie’s voice increases in passion. Her eyes glimmer as she says, “I’m profoundly deaf. I know what it’s like to be ostracized by something you can’t control…We need to look at the person, not the disability or the thing that makes them different than ourselves. After all, we have much more in common as human beings than the things that define us personally.”

A Heart for Humanity Across the Globe

Lucie doesn’t just explore diversity at Rosemont College. She also works with African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC) to provide business classes to Sisters in African countries. Such countries include Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria and Cameroon. “This is probably the most meaningful thing I do at Rosemont,” Lucie says with a fond smile, “I feel like it makes such an impact on the Sisters…It’s interesting to see life experiences that are so different than ours, [but] we also have a common thread. I also feel that I am significantly impacted by my interaction with the Sisters. Their humility, grace and passion for learning is infectious!”

Mutual Learning

Lucie’s students aren’t the only ones learning in her courses. As they discuss many options and ideas in the world of negotiation and equity, her students teach her brand new ways to view the world as well. “My students have taught me to be flexible. Kind of roll with the punches. That people aren’t necessarily going to do things the way you do or the way you do them … From all [students], you learn something if you’re open to it. There’s a lesson to learning in any experience you have.”

Striving for a Better World

In closing, Lucie stated that her experiences at Rosemont College have been a “labor of love” that she cherishes.

Though we’re far from perfect, the world is working toward inclusivity and equity. As humans live each day to their best abilities, it’s always worth mentioning that every person brings something unique and beautiful to the world that others never will. No matter the disability nor the ethnicity, sexuality, gender, or many other various aspects of humanity. We can find ways to respect one another with open minds. Though that feels difficult to believe in our current time, we can always stride forward with hope. We are in safer hands when meeting those like Lucie McDonald, who labor for a peaceful, respectful future.