Deborah Danner

Adler University announced on May 10 the three recipients of this year’s Alfred Adler Social Justice Awards, which is given annually to a faculty, staff, and student who exemplify the philosophies of Alfred Adler.

The recipients are Christena Gunther, assistant director of Disability Services and Student Services; Adjunct Faculty Deborah Danner in the Master of Arts in Counseling in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program; and Holly Ho, Vancouver Campus student in the Master of Public Policy and Administration program.

The annual Social Justice Award also highlights the awardees’ tireless efforts to impact the world while inspiring others to do the same.

Christena Gunther

“We are honored to award these exceptional individuals who have gone above and beyond in the name of social justice,” said Elena Quintana, Ph.D., executive director of the Institute on Public Safety and Social Justice.

Holly Ho

• Danner was honored for her ability to put theory into practice in her classroom, while sharing countless examples from her experience working in trauma. Danner brings real world situations into her teaching, including guiding her class through a crisis response after the Highland Park shooting. Danner also facilitates unusual socially based discussions and is a passionate advocate for civil rights, social action, and strengthening communities.
• Gunther was recognized for tirelessly advancing disability justice both internally at Adler and externally across Illinois. At the University in her role as assistant director of Disability Services and Student Affairs for the Chicago and Online campuses, she passionately educates the community on disability awareness, accessibility, combatting ableism, and supporting inclusion. In 2013, Gunther founded the nonprofit Cultural Access Collaborative that empowers Illinois’ cultural spaces, like museums and theaters, to become more accessible to visitors with disabilities. She serves as president of this volunteer-run organization.
• Ho was awarded for her passion for advocacy and educating her peers and the Adler community on important social justice topics, including democracy rights. She currently serves as president of the Adler Student Association and as a student representative on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Ho also provided advice on environmental protection issues and has lined up local recycling groups to promote recycling in Hong Kong.

“In their own unique roles, they have demonstrated a spirit of compassion and courage to take action and make an impact in our world,” Dr. Quintana said.