Nominations open for community legacy awards

Itzel Marquez has developed a reputation over the years as a faculty member who cares about students, particularly students from backgrounds often marginalized in STEM fields.

Last year, Marquez, a faculty member in Central Michigan University’s School of Engineering and Technology, was recognized with the Stan L. Shingles Award for Distinction in Mentorship. She was presented with the award during CMU’s Community Legacy Ball.

“Receiving the award meant that my work with students doesn’t go unnoticed,” Marquez said. “I dedicate a lot of my work to make students feel supported, capable and included in a field that often makes them feel the opposite.”

The Stan L. Shingles is one of six awards recognized during CMU’s Community Legacy Ball. Nominees have helped create a learning environment that highlights diversity, equity and inclusion.

The other five awards are:

• The Dr. Diane Newby Award for Inclusive Excellence in Education honors people who have demonstrated diligence in creating a learning environment steeped in inclusion and equity through their teaching, administration, research and service.
• The Provost’s Award for Exemplary Research and Scholarship honors people who have highlighted diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice through research questions.
• The Innovation in Inclusive Excellence and Social Justice Award honors those who have helped create a CMU that promotes equity, inclusion and social justice.
• The Outstanding Social Justice Leadership in Community Service Award honors individuals who see attending to society’s needs as part of a civic duty.
• The Dr. Laura Gonzalez Award for Outstanding Social Justice Leadership in Community Service honors groups that see attending to society’s needs as part of a civic duty.

Nominations for the awards are due by March 18. Honorees will be announced at the Community Legacy Ball on April 17.