CHESTER, Pa. – Senior Woman Administrator Larissa Gillespie named one of six Pride Personified award winners by Widener University.
 
The Pride Personified award is presented to a group of individuals who make the Widener Community outstanding. Annually this award is presented to six individuals twice a year. 
 
Larissa has been a part of the Pride Athletics community for over 22 years. Known as the heart and soul of the athletics department by her colleagues, Larissa's advocacy extends beyond colleagues to influence student athletes, with a focus on women in sports and mental well-being. This past year Larissa established a hub for students to use as a safe space before and after practices. Creative, responsive, and always available for consolation are just a few traits that make Larissa pride personified. (Courtesy of the Widener University Office of the President)
 
This year, Gillespie continued to expand her work for the Widener Athletics Department with work from Melissa Mroz from 360 Agility and the NCAA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. 

Gillespie also spoke with Associate Provost for Civic Engagement Marina Barnett on Campus Collaboration to Create a Multi-Dimensional Holistic Approach to Support the "Whole" Student-Athlete. The group of 60 who attended learned a new approach from Gillespie and Barnett and looked to continue the conversation beyond the presentation.
 
On top of the most recent work, Gillespie has been an influencer in the creation of the H.U.B. (Health, Unity, and Belonging), the integration of the Ladipo Group within Widener Athletics, and the creation of the Widener Athletics' Faculty-Advisor program.