The University of Texas at Dallas will honor the contributions of those who have helped advance the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion at its 11th annual Diversity Awards Ceremony and Soiree at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 15.
This year’s theme is “Becoming a true citizen of the world: Embracing cultural diversity in all aspects of life.” Awards will be presented to a student, student organization, community champion, corporate partner, staff member and faculty member.
The event, which is free but requires registration, will be held via Microsoft Teams.
“These individuals and organizations are critical to the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion,” said Dr. George Fair, vice president for diversity and community engagement and dean of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies. “We look forward to recognizing their vital efforts.”
The winners of the Diversity Poetry Competition Showcase also will be recognized, and the Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Mariachi Caporales will perform. Chris Bhatti MA’06, assistant vice president for development and alumni relations at UT Dallas, and Alicia Makaye PhD’12, CEO and president of GXA, will serve as hosts of the event.
Among the award recipients will be Shahrin Upoma, a public affairs doctoral candidate whose research focuses on gender equity in leadership of faith-based nonprofit organizations, and Comet Symphonique, a student-led organization supporting musicians in the University’s band and orchestral ensembles..
Dr. Rafael Martín, vice president and chief of staff at UT Dallas, will recognize employee resource groups for their efforts during the challenges of the past year. These groups are designed to support faculty and staff activities that create a welcoming campus climate.
The diversity awards benefit the University’s Diversity Scholars Program, which was created in 2010 to increase the diversity of students enrolling at UT Dallas.
The Office of Diversity and Community Engagement first presented the diversity awards in 2010 to recognize the accomplishments of champions of the University’s diversity mission, goals and programs. The office was established in 2007 and oversees a range of programs to promote diversity, including the Galerstein Gender Center, the Multicultural Center and the Department of Community Engagement.
2021 Diversity Award Recipients
Student Diversity Award
Shahrin Upoma, public affairs PhD candidate
Student Organization Diversity Award
Comet Symphonique
Community Champion of Diversity Award
Angie Lee, director of equity, diversity and inclusion for the Richardson Independent School District
Corporate Champion of Diversity Award
State Farm
Staff Diversity Award
Dr. Courtney Brecheen, senior associate dean of undergraduate education
Inclusive Teaching and Excellence Award
Dr. Sheryl Skaggs, professor of sociology in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences
Diversity Poetry Competition Showcase
1st Place: Alicia Sreeny, literature senior
2nd Place: Gabriel Barrerae, political science junior
3rd Place: Cj Justice-Nwobike, computer science freshman
Employee Resource Groups
Black Faculty and Staff Alliance
Latino Faculty and Staff Association
Military and Veteran
QuTD (LGBTQ+)
Young Professionals
UT Dallas Women
UTD Counseling and Advising Network
Universal Access
