Equity and Inclusion Award

Purpose

The Penn State Engineering Alumni Society Equity and Inclusion Award recognizes a staff member who has demonstrated a commitment to the College of Engineering’s goal of being a diverse and supportive community that provides a climate of sensitivity, open-mindedness, and respect.

Award

The name of the award is the “PSEAS Equity and Inclusion Award.” A single award is presented annually. Each recipient receives $500 and a memento. Funding is made possible through annual gifts from engineering alumni and friends. 

Eligibility

All full-time staff members who have worked for the College of Engineering for at least two years are eligible to receive this award.

Qualifications

Recipients must meet any of the following criteria:

  • Helps to establish and promote a positive environment in the college that encourages and welcomes all types of diversity
  • Displays genuine appreciation and sensitivity for the values and histories of other people
  • Strives to learn from people whose backgrounds and experiences are different from his/her own
  • Encourages respect for others’ beliefs and traditions

Nominations

Nominations may be initiated by Engineering staff, students, faculty, and administrators. Each nomination, however, must be submitted to the head of the candidate’s academic or other unit for review prior to submission to the Dean’s Office. Each unit may nominate only one employee for this award. Each nomination should consist of:

  • a completed nomination form which includes specific examples detailing how the nominee embodies the spirit of the award;
  • a one-page letter of nomination from the initiator;
  • a maximum of three letters of support from College personnel, University personnel, students, alumni, and/or friends of the College;
  • each support letter will be one page in length and will have one signature.

Selection

A committee appointed by the Dean of Engineering will make selection. The committee will consist of PSEAS representatives, recent past award recipient, and the Associate Dean of Equity and Inclusion.

Frequency

Past recipients are ineligible for a period of five years.