Nominations now are being accepted for the fourth annual Distinguished Diversity Leaders Award. Co-sponsored by the Office of the Provost and University Human Resources, the award recognizes individual staff members and teams that have demonstrated extraordinary achievement in supporting diversity at the university.
“Staff members contribute to virtually every aspect of creating a community that is diverse, participatory and inclusive,” says Lester Monts, senior vice provost for academic affairs. “This award will recognize our colleagues demonstrating extraordinary commitment and dedication to diversity — an essential factor in our excellence at the University of Michigan.”
The Distinguished Diversity Leaders Award recognizes individual staff members and teams for their accomplishments and provides a monetary prize — $1,000 for individuals, $2,500 for teams — to be used toward professional development activities. Staff members on all campuses and in the U-M Health System are eligible.
“This award is another important expression of the value we hold for a diverse and inclusive environment for all members of our community,” says Laurita Thomas, associate vice president for human resources. “The honorees enrich the university with their passionate and profound efforts. We thank them for contributing their gifts of time and talent, which makes Michigan a better place for us all.”
Staff members are described as a crucial link by Anthony Walesby, associate vice provost and senior director of the Office of Institutional Equity. “The commitment of dedicated staff members connects vision to reality, and their efforts are seen from service on President Coleman’s U-M Diversity Council to outreach efforts for students and employees and the daily interactions that simply make a difference. Please take a moment to visit the website to learn about the incredible impact our Distinguished Diversity Leaders and Teams make each day.”
Nominations for the award will be accepted through May 18. More information about the award, a full list of previous awardees, nominees and a sample of a winning nomination can be found at www.ddla.umich.edu.
