Honoring their
commitment to diversity, two University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point employees
have been recognized by the UW System.
Ka
Lia Smith, a financial aid adviser, was one of 17 to receive the UW System
Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award. UW
institutions submit nominations for the awards, which highlight each
recipient’s contributions to diversity, women’s studies scholarship or
activism, or to improving the status and climate for women, particularly women
of color. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the award and the 21st honor
for a woman from UW-Stevens Point.
Andrew
Stoner, an assistant professor of communication, was one of 13 to receive the
Dr. P.B. Poorman Award for Outstanding Achievement on Behalf of LGBTQ People.
UW institutions nominate individuals for the award, based on contributions to
diversity, equity and inclusive excellence. Those contributions may include
advocacy, activism or scholarship that has fostered social justice and
organizational change; positive transformation within their institutions or
community to achieve the goals of diversity, equity and inclusion; and
efforts to improve the climate for and visibility of LGBTQ people.
Dejan
Kuzmanovic, a UW-Stevens Point associate professor
of English, won the award in 2013, when a single recipient was recognized in
the UW System. Poorman was instrumental in founding the UW inclusivity initiative.
“The UW System
has a longstanding commitment to promoting diversity at our institutions,” said
UW System President Ray Cross. “Those we are honoring remind us how individual
contributions can make a real difference in promoting respect and understanding
within the university and the broader community.”
The recipients will be recognized Friday, Oct. 9, in Madison
at an awards ceremony and luncheon.
Skip to main content
