Avery Gretz, an undergraduate student seeking a bachelor of arts in applied anthropology and a minor in global health, has been awarded the Ray Coppler Disability Awareness Award for 2023–24.
During the 2023–24 academic year, Taylor was a member of the IUP Student Government Association and the designated Disability/ Support Services Senator for such. In this role they worked closely with IUP’s Department for Disability Access and Advising (D2A2) and other university stakeholders, representing the voice of IUP’s students with disabilities. They also served as secretary of the IUP Anthropology Club, and Taylor was the cofounder and secretary of IUP’s Cro-gay Club, an LGBTQ+ crocheting group.
Avery’s nominator for this year’s Coppler Disability Awareness Award was a fellow IUP undergraduate student, Sophia Simpson, who wrote:
“Avery Gretz has devoted a large majority of their academic career to supporting and advocating for students with disabilities. With their role in the Student Government Association as the Disability/ Support Services Senator, they.…work closely with D2A2 to improve the lives of students with disabilities, but they have also assisted students directly with any issues they may have in relation to D2A2 or accessibility across campus. In addition to this, their role as the acting president of Anthropology Club allows them a unique way to advocate for students with disabilities. This is especially important considering the role of anthropology as a field, as the study of humanity and culture should encompass all people. Avery is also an exemplary and hardworking student, as is shown by the passion they hold for their field. Avery meets all the criteria for this award and should be honored with it for their devotion to improving campus for all students.”
Upon learning that they were chosen as this year’s recipient of the Coppler Award, Avery wrote:
“I myself am a disabled individual, and I think that is why I am so passionate about disability rights and accessibility on campus. When I came to school at IUP, I was unsure of how I fit in with an able-bodied community, so I made it a goal for myself to support and advocate for myself and others. When I found my position in SGA, I was really able to get connected with a larger base of disabled students on campus. This gave me the space to be the student representative for disabled individuals at IUP. I have many ideas that I am still hoping to bring to fruition as my time progresses here at IUP, and I am beyond grateful for this opportunity. I also am the cofounder and secretary for our local queer crochet club, Cro-gay! I would not feel right not including this club because, as a queer individual, this community is equally as important for me.”