Dian "D.D." Meakin
B.A., summa cum laude, with Departmental Honors in Sociology, 2018
M.A., Philosophy and Education, Columbia University, 2020
Assistant Director of Experiential Education, Columbia University Center for Career Education
Because of life circumstance, D.D. was unable to finish high school. After years of managing a coffee house, D.D. embarked on her lifelong dream of obtaining a bachelor’s degree. D.D. has completed her Master’s degree in Philosophy and Education at Columbia University. She presented papers at three international conferences. She works as the administrator for the Department of Philosophy at Columbia University.
Seattle Central College, Associate of Arts in Social and Human Services, 2016
Service:
WRRA Sculling Committee Chairperson, 2009 – 2011
WRRA Masters Committee Chairperson, 2009 – 2011
Elected Representative, Western Reserve Rowing Association Board of Directors, 2009 – 2011
Alfie Scholars Presidential Response Initiative, 2016
Student Ambassador, Seattle University 125th Anniversary Gala, 2016
Awards/honors:
2018 Peronteau Award – This award is presented to the graduating student with the highest GPA in Sociology.
Member, Tau Sigma National Honor Society
Member, Student Executive Council, College of Arts & Sciences
U.S. Rowing Championship Member, 2009 – present
Masters Competitive Rower, Pocock Rowing Center 2014 – 2018
Masters Competitive Rower, Western Reserve Rowing Association, 2009 – 2013
Gold Medalist, Women's 8+, U.S. Masters National Head Race, 2012
Seattle Central College Dean’s List, every quarter
Seattle Central College President’s List, every quarter
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Messina Scholar, Seattle University
Publication: "Collective Love and the Politics of Othering", Seattle University Undergraduate Research Journal, May 2017
Goals: I hope to become a leader, whose acceptance of the contextual history and culture of those around me serves as a foundation for work towards the betterment of individuals and communities in need. After graduation, I aspire to influence the conversation and policies surrounding social-justice issues, focusing on advocacy and security for minority populations in higher education.
Civility: While tolerance may seem to some the brother of civility, it cannot and does not placate perceived wrongs or heal wounded hearts. The true brother of civility is, simply, love. A tool for advocacy and the basis for this movement can be found in the commodity that is data. By empowering a person, a community or an organization to see social statistics as the human stories they are, I have hope in humanity that we can all dare to do our duty as it evolves to create a civil society.
Autobiography: My name is Dian, but my friends and family just call me “D.D.” I am an unconventional adult student who is fulfilling my lifelong dream of obtaining a bachelor’s degree. Because of early life circumstances, I was unable to finish high school. Despite life's setbacks, my curiosity and passion for learning kept me motivated to better myself. I knew my life would not feel complete without obtaining a formal education. So, after many years of single parenting and managing a cafe, I finally had the opportunity to get my G.E.D. and then enrolled in Seattle Central College (SCC). Prior to my arrival at Seattle University, while at SCC, my focus in Social and Human Service shaped my interest and scholarship in the advancement of marginalized societal groups.
In my spare time, and to unwind, I’m a Masters competitive rower. I’m one of those crazy people you’ll see out before dawn, three or four days a week, floating across the water with my teammates, working on drills and trying to get faster. I’ve had the good fortune to compete often in many notable regattas such as the Head of the Charles, FISA Masters World Championships, and the inaugural U.S. Masters National Head Race.
I am deeply honored and excited to have been selected to be part of the inaugural Alfie Scholars cohort. The program aligns with my life mission to better myself through knowledge while also bettering others around me as I grow. I now see myself not as a person lacking an education, but as a scholar subscribing to a vibrant and progressive academic community. Over the next two years, I hope to embody the mission of Seattle University and significantly contribute to my cohort of Alfie Scholars.
