Jan. 7, 2020
CWU Seeking Nominations for Annual Diversity Awards
Do you know someone who has made a positive, sustainable impact on diversity, inclusion, and equity at CWU and in the community? It’s time once again to celebrate their achievements.
Beginning this week, CWU will be accepting nominations for the sixth annual President’s Diversity Awards, scheduled for April 9. Anyone affiliated with the university or the surrounding community is eligible for the awards, which are presented to individuals and groups in five categories: student, staff, faculty, alumni, and community member.
Nominations can be submitted through February 14 at cwu.edu/inclusivity/presidents-diversity-awards. The winners will be announced in early March.
“We’re very excited to highlight our current and former students, staff, faculty members, and community members who are doing really great work to improve diversity and inclusivity at CWU,” said Abby Chien, director of the Diversity and Equity Center. “These awards help us celebrate what happens when a community really comes together.”
Sponsored by the Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President of Inclusivity and Diversity, the Diversity Awards are hosted every spring by CWU President James L. Gaudino, a longtime proponent of diversity at the university.
As part of CWU’s commitment to building a more diverse, more inclusive campus community, the university has pledged to celebrate, honor, and understand differences, become more welcoming, and ensure true access by providing equity of opportunity.
“I envision Central Washington University as a diverse, student-centered school where we pride ourselves on building the lives of our students,” Gaudino said. “We must be collectively and individually committed to creating a university that treasures differences and provides opportunities for all to learn.”
Award nominations should focus on people who have shown a commitment to diversity, and those who have contributed to effective change, demonstrated consistent engagement, and actively nurtured a supportive environment for inclusivity.
Chien said the evaluation criteria for the nominees will focus on promoting inclusion and equity, taking action and providing support, and sustaining diversity across and within the campus community. Multiple letters of support for each nominee are encouraged.
The Diversity Awards have been building notoriety in each of the past five years, and the awards committee is hoping to see even more participation this year.
“These awards are very prestigious because they are the only awards that come directly from the CWU president,” Chien said. “We really want our students, staff, and faculty to get excited and share their stories so we can recognize their contributions.”
Questions about nominations or the Diversity Awards can be sent to Sigrid Davison at sigrid.davison@cwu.edu.
Media contact: David Leder, Department of Public Affairs, 509-963-1518, David.Leder@cwu.edu.