January 18, 2024

Submit nominations now for Diversity Champion Awards

by Christi Mathis

Nominations are now being accepted for the Diversity Champion Awards, presented annually to members of the SIU community who exemplify anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion through community engagement, programming, creation of best practices and initiatives, implementation of policies and procedures, training and mentoring. All nominations must be submitted online by Feb. 29.

Five awards will be presented:

  • The Diversity Champion is an undergraduate, graduate or professional school student who actively engages and understands other cultures, mentors other students across races/ethnicity/culture, advocates for safe spaces for others and shares their stories and experiences.
  • The Inclusive Excellence Award goes to a faculty or staff member who contributes to fostering a climate of inclusion and belonging that supports the success of students from marginalized backgrounds through inclusive pedagogy, developing best practices or initiatives, inclusive and intrusive advising and mentoring, or other actions.
  • The Departmental Diversity Champion Award is presented to a department, unit, school or college that demonstrates ADEI by providing faculty and staff training, conducting scholarly research, recruiting and retaining diverse faculty/staff/students, establishing inclusive practices, policies and internal diversity committees, and/or allocating resources to projects or initiatives that enhance diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • The Outstanding Program Award recognizes a program, center or office for providing excellent support to students through cross-cultural engagement, learning, academic support, workshops or other activities that contribute to student retention and success.
  • The Above and Beyond Award is presented to two people – a community member and an SIU faculty or staff member – who exemplify outstanding support of ADEI via speaking, teaching, mentoring, community service or other ways of bringing about positive change.

There will be a recognition luncheon for the winners from noon to 1:30 p.m. April 3 in Ballroom B at the Student Center. RSVP online.

The awards are sponsored by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. For more information, email diversity@siu.edu or call 618-453-1186.