The University's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs honored 11 people and organizations on Grounds with its annual Champion Awards last Friday.
The awards recognize those individuals who assist in the office's mission to eliminate discrimination and particularly those individuals who may not have otherwise been recognized for their efforts, said Director Darlene Scott-Scurry.
"They received the awards because of their contribution to social justice and equal rights," Scott-Scurry said.
Recipients range from undergraduate students to faculty, staff and even organizations.
Two students were among this year's honorees.
Fourth-year Commerce student Jason Shapiro organized an events program for Disabilities Awareness Week to promote respect for people with disabilities.Fourth-year College student Reginald Benbow, Jr., who was also recognized, founded "My Brother's Keeper," a program at Albemarle High School that mentors black male students and helps prepare them for college. He also re-established the Minority Squad, a previously inactive support group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students of color.
"U.Va. really does value diversity of opinion and thought," Benbow said. "I just want students to celebrate and appreciate diversity in all its forms."
Eight University faculty members and employees also received the award.
Yared Getachew, Law School assistant dean for public service, was honored for his efforts to encourage students to pursue career paths that focus on assisting underprivileged individuals. Astronomy Prof. Charles Tolbert was a former chairman of the University's Access Committee who worked to better University life for the disabled. John-Lee Holmes, survey operations manager and acting senior research analyst at the Center for Survey Research, was nominated by his coworkers for creating a work environment that embraced diversity.
"I feel pretty humble that I would be included in that group," Holmes said. "Even as a student, you can be inspiring and make a difference in your community."
Lori Kressin, information technology specialist, improved the Kruzweil Educational System reading technology for the visually impaired. Yoke San Reynolds, the University's vice president and chief financial officer, is a member of the Women's Leadership Council and serves as president of the Piedmont Chinese Association. She has been involved with several groups that promote the Asian-American community. Julie Roa, Multicultural Student Services program coordinator, helped found the group Hoos for Open Access, which works with families and students using AccessUVA to provide opportunities to afford college.
"I would hope that inclusion is an everyday part of everyone's experience at U.Va.," Roa said, adding that leaders at the University come from all kinds of backgrounds.
Carolyn Vallas, director of the Center for Diversity in Engineering, expanded recruitment and retention of students from underrepresented populations in science technology, engineering and mathematics fields. LGBT Student Services Coordinator Edward Warwick implemented new programs to raise awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues, including the "Love is Love" T-shirt campaign.
Common Ground Community of the University Library was the only group to receive the award this year. It was honored for hosting several multicultural events and a Holocaust remembrance group discussion.
Recipients of the award were nominated by their peers, community members or colleagues.
"Collectively, they demonstrate a commitment to making the world a better place by creating a future where everyone is treated with fairness, dignity and respect, a world where all are valued and appreciated, where equality and inclusion are embraced," Scott-Scurry said.
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