Honoring a Champion of Inclusion, Mindfulness, and Academic Equity in Global Education
OGUNQUIT, ME / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / The TramutoPorter Foundation is proud to announce Professor Jesse Tauriac, Ph.D., of Lasell University as the 2026 USA Professor Laureate - an honor that recognizes exceptional educators who lead with compassion, innovation, and a deep commitment to global citizenship.
Professor Tauriac will represent the Foundation's core values during a week-long series of events in Italy this November, highlighting his groundbreaking work in inclusive education, student mental health, and campus climate transformation.
"Professor Tauriac is more than an educator-he's a builder of bridges," said Donato Tramuto, founder of the TramutoPorter Foundation. "His work reflects what compassionate leadership looks like in action. We are honored to have him represent the U.S. on a global stage."
About Professor Jesse Tauriac, Ph.D.
Professor Tauriac is Associate Professor of Psychology at Lasell University and the Director of the Donahue Institute for Equity & Social Justice. He also serves as Assistant Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer.
His work focuses on:
Culturally relevant mindfulness and stress-reduction strategies
Academic success and resilience among racially and ethnically diverse students
Supporting first-generation college students, especially Black American males
Intergroup dialogue and strengths-based learning environments
He is the architect of Transcend, a research-based program designed to foster academic performance, positive identity development, and stress management skills among underrepresented students.
As Chief Diversity Officer, he has also launched workshops, policy initiatives, and experiential classroom models that deepen understanding of social identities, equity, and belonging.
His research has appeared in journals including the Journal of Diversity in Higher Education and the Journal for Specialists in Group Work.
2025 Laureate Week Agenda Highlights
Professor Tauriac's Laureate Week Experience (Nov. 15-21, 2025) Includes:
November 17th - Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Italia, Florence, Italy to learn more about the Human Rights work of the Kennedy Center
November 18th - Meeting at the University of Florence, Florence, Italy
November 19th - Presentation at the University of Perugia where he will co-present with Mr. Tramuto on How Compassionate Leadership can unite communities
November 20 - Commemorative Ceremony in Rome honoring the 100th birthday of Senator Robert F Kennedy
A Platform for Global Compassionate Leadership
The TramutoPorter Foundation created the Professor Laureate program to uplift educators who lead with purpose. This year's inaugural program has been designed with an integration of Human Rights and educational programs that will create school-wide initiatives, form international partnerships, and drive real change in their communities.
"This is more than a recognition. It's a shared movement," said Tramuto. "Jesse's ability to connect research, lived experience, and community transformation is exactly what we need as we build a more just and compassionate world."
About the TramutoPorter Foundation
Founded in 2001 by Donato Tramuto and Jeffrey Porter, the TramutoPorter Foundation empowers individuals and organizations through education, healthcare, and human rights initiatives. The Foundation has partnered with more than 130 institutions and directly impacted tens of thousands of lives through scholarships, leadership programs, and compassionate action.
Contact: robin@robincomm.com
SOURCE: Donato Tramuto
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