Award celebrates diversity, multicultural efforts at WMUFeb. 28, 2011 KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University has launched a new Excellence in Diversity Awards program. WMU students, faculty and staff are eligible to make award nominations as well as receive the award. Nominations, including self-nominations, are being accepted through Wednesday, March 9. The awards celebrate leadership, as demonstrated by successful efforts to increase diversity on campus, advance WMU's Diversity and Multicultural Action Plan, and help create a climate that welcomes and supports all individuals. Those nominated should represent outstanding, exceptional or extraordinary individuals and groups engaged in initiatives and innovations in such areas as teaching, research, programs and services. Inaugural award recipients will be recognized at an Excellence in Diversity Awards Celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, in the Bernhard Center. "Together We're Better" will be the theme for the evening. Recipients also will have their names added to a plaque that will be posted prominently on campus. A total of six Excellence in Diversity Awards will be given out annually. One individual will be recognized in each of four categories: faculty members, staff members, undergraduate students and graduate students. In addition, one group will be recognized in each of two categories: student organizations or teams and University organizations or teams. Award recipients will be selected based on the multicultural activities of the nominated individuals and groups. These activities will be evaluated in terms of their variety and degree of implementation, how far they go beyond everyday job responsibilities, and their results and benefits, especially how they have increased awareness of, or sensitivity to, diversity and multiculturalism. Nomination forms are available online at wmich.edu/diversityandinclusion and may be picked up in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which is housed in the Trimpe Building. Completed forms should be sent to the diversity and inclusion office by e-mail to Lillian Manning at lillian.manning@wmich.edu or by campus mail to Mail Stop 5372. For more information, contact Zarinah El-Amin Naeem in the diversity and inclusion office at (269) 387-6324. Media contact: Jeanne Baron, (269) 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu WMU News |
