Prize for Civility in Public Life

Charles Allen Ross

Class of 2020

Throughout his time at Allegheny College, Charles Allen Ross has exemplified a commitment to deep insight and thoughtfulness that drives impactful action. As a leader and a scholar, he has gained respect across the community for his passion, intellect, and dedication to listening to — and helping — others.

“Charles recognizes the importance of intersectionality and respect of individuals wherever they may be in their development,” noted an Allegheny staff member who nominated Ross for the Dr. James H. Mullen, Jr. Student Prize for Civility in Public Life. “He has always exhibited a sense of empathy and understanding and strives to view things from others’ perspectives, not just his own.”

Ross is a community and justice studies major with minors in education studies and theatre. He has completed independent research projects at Allegheny with Professor Heather Moore Roberson and at Columbia University. His research has drawn on theories from a wide range of disciplines that include multicultural education, women and gender studies, and higher education, culminating in his Senior Project, “Fouling Out: A Community Reflection on the Academic Ejection of Black Male Student-Athletes.” Ross has committed to attend a Ph.D. program in American studies at the Washington State University following graduation.

“He is a truly interdisciplinary thinker who is determined to work for the betterment of our communities and to call out oppression and systemic racism through careful research and analysis,” an Allegheny professor said in his nomination of Ross.

Ross has taken on numerous roles through which he has made a positive difference at Allegheny and in the Meadville community. For example, as president of the Men of Color Advancement Association (MOCAA), he has worked tirelessly with the organization’s members on crucial issues, including peer mentoring, building community, philanthropy, and self-esteem. In addition, Ross has served as an America Reads student tutor, a summer intern with the United Way of Western Crawford County, and a fellow in the Community and Justice Studies Department.

In his senior year, Ross was selected to deliver the keynote address at the first Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Brunch on campus, and he later spoke at the MLK Community Dinner in Meadville. He also was a four-year member of the Allegheny football team and was active in the Playshop Theatre, among many other involvements.

“Charles has distinguished himself as perhaps the most thoughtful, empathetic, impassioned, deep-thinking student I’ve had the pleasure to work with,” an Allegheny professor said in his nomination of Ross. “He is the embodiment of civility in public life and deserving of every honor the College can bestow upon him.”