MLK Spirit Awards honor work toward diversity and inclusion

The MLK Spirit Awards for 2022 were presented Thursday by the Ripon College Center for Diversity and Inclusion. The awards typically are presented in person at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast but were presented virtually because of the ongoing pandemic.

The full ceremony can be viewed here.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is considered the formative figure in the modern fight for civil rights, and his legacy looms large in the work of all those who follow him in his cause. Ripon’s MLK Spirit Award honors members of the Ripon College community — students, faculty, staff, community members and alumni — who reflect King’s principles and ideals in philosophy and action.

• Living the Dream Award, recognizing a student who has contributed to the dream of equality and demonstrated visible and continuing leadership in one or more of the following areas: education, service, civil rights, community or civic engagement: Luis Aragon Miranda ’22 of Monroe, Wisconsin.
 
• Drum Major Award, recognizing a faculty member who has made significant contributions to improving access and opportunity by dismantling barriers — specifically, helped put into place policies, curriculum and initiatives to enhance opportunity and success for underrepresented populations: Hervé Somé, associate professor of educational studies.
 
• Diversity Practitioner Award, recognizing a staff member who demonstrates excellence in their role as a diversity practitioner on campus. Their work and commitment goes beyond the scope of their respective job, duties or administrative responsibilities: Brenda Gabrielson, director of the Franzen Center for Academic Success.
 
• Lace Award, Love, Authenticity, Courage and Empathy, recognizing a community member who gives freely of their time and service to advance the work of equity and inclusion: Mandy Kimes of the Ripon Area Racial Justice Alliance.
 
• Legacy Award, recognizing an alumnus who displays leadership and advances the cause of justice and equality in our community and society: Jolene Schatzinger ’07, associate director of engagement.

Posted February 4, 2022 in Diversity.

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