Nominations are now being accepted for the inaugural 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.
“Diversity brings a richness of ideas and perspectives to our community that is central to what makes this University great,” says President Mary Sue Coleman. “The Distinguished Diversity Leaders Award is an important way to celebrate extraordinary staff contributions toward achieving our shared vision.”
The 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.
“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. “We want to shine a bright light on some of the most exceptional staff accomplishments toward shaping the Michigan of today and tomorrow as a welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment.”
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.”
Award nominations will be reviewed by a committee of representatives from the Voices of the Staff Diversity Network and the Diversity Council.
“The Voices of the Staff Diversity Network is dedicated to exploring creative strategies to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment,” says Laurita Thomas, associate vice president for Human Resources. Coleman established the Diversity Council in 2003 to assess, encourage and recognize diversity initiatives. “Staff members make countless contributions to both Voices and the Diversity Council and their dedicated involvement is essential to honoring our commitment to diversity as a fundamental part of the University’s tradition and future. I hope we’ll each take time to think about the person or team that has demonstrated respect for diversity in serving students, patients or visitors, creating an inclusive work environment or welcoming new colleagues to the University, and nominate those who have made a difference.”
Nominations for the award will be accepted through Sept. 19. More information about the award and an online nomination form are available at www.ddla.umich.edu.
To learn more about diversity at U-M, go to www.diversity.umich.edu and www.voices.umich.edu.
