Know someone committed to diversity? Submit names by May 9 for recognition

Nominations are now being accepted for the Diversity Achievement Award at Western Washington University, which every year recognizes those who demonstrate outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion at Western.

Over the last several years, faculty, staff and students have worked hard on ensuring diversity is valued and that Western is an inclusive campus for everyone, said Sue Guenter-Schlesinger, vice provost for Equal Opportunity and Employment Diversity at Western.

"At Western, we're working on breaking through barriers and challenges that prevent people from fully participating and being successful in education and employment," she said. "It's important for us to recognize those who are successful in doing this. It's especially important as Western continues to emphasize the priority of valuing differences and inclusion."

The annual award recognizes a staff member, faculty member, student or office that demonstrates outstanding research, programming, leadership, service and/or teaching related to matters of diversity and inclusion. Winners must meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Integrates diversity concepts and values into academic curriculum, management and/or operational functions
• Develops methods for increasing and valuing diversity among students, faculty and/or staff
• Maximizes opportunities to achieve diversity
• Contributes to promoting an understanding and appreciation of differences by contributing to the body of research on diversity or through other endeavors

To submit a nomination, write a letter (not to exceed three pages) addressing one or more of the listed criteria and send it to the Equal Opportunity Office in Old Main Room 345, mailstop 9021 or eoo@wwu.edu.

The nomination deadline is Friday, May 9.

"There are so many people across campus engaged in such significant efforts in this area, and this is an opportunity to bring recognition to them," Guenter-Schlesinger said.