Four School of Education Members Honored at K. Leroy Irvis Celebration
Four out of the seven honorees have affiliations to Pitt Education
Four members of the Pitt School of Education community were recognized for their commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility at the University of Pittsburgh’s K. Leroy Irvis Black History Month Celebration held February 26 at the Alumni Hall Connolly Ballroom.
The honorees were faculty member Sergio Gonzalez, staff member Kelly Tatone, doctoral student Simone Freeman-Irwin, and alumnus Charles “Chuck” Herring.
Gonzalez, an assistant professor who began in fall 2024, received the Faculty Champion Award for his work in fostering inclusivity and advocating for policies that promote equity. Students who nominated him praised “Dr. G” as “a beacon of leadership, compassion and transformative education.”
“My heart is full of so much gratitude to have been nominated for the faculty award, especially by my students,” said Gonzalez. “I’m honored to be in community and learn from such amazing people at Pitt. Mil gracias to my nominators and to the school of ed at Pitt for all the love and support they’ve nurtured for me.”
Freeman-Irwin, the BIPOC programs coordinator in Pitt’s Division of Student Affairs and a doctoral student in urban education, was presented with the Inspiring Leader Award. Her nomination highlighted her dedication to creating spaces where students feel valued and empowered through mentorship and advocacy.
The Alumni Advocate Award for Herring (EDUC ’97G, ’17G), who serves as director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at South Fayette Township School District, came as a surprise to him.
“When I received word about the 2025 K. Leroy Irvis Alumni Advocate Award, I briefly wondered if they had confused me with another Pitt graduate with much better grades,” said Herring. “But jokes aside, to be singled out from our University’s remarkable alumni community for this honor is incredibly meaningful.”
With three decades of experience in K-12 education, Herring was recognized by Pitt as a trailblazer in addressing school-based trauma and fostering inclusive educational environments.
Kelly Tatone, research program manager at the school’s UBelong project and at Pitt’s Learning Research and Development Center, received the Aspiring Ally Award for her advocacy work, particularly with LGBTQIA+ students, and her leadership on various University committees focused on equity and inclusion.
“I was deeply honored to receive the Aspiring Ally Award at the K. Leroy Irvis Celebration at Pitt, an event that beautifully commemorates Irvis’ legacy of leadership and advocacy,” said Tatone. “It was truly inspiring to stand among so many dedicated individuals working toward equity and inclusion.”
The annual celebration honors the legacy of K. Leroy Irvis, a Pitt law alumnus who became the first Black Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and championed education as a transformative force.
