Campus Connection

2015 marks 20th anniversary of award

Xia Vang, UWL financial aid counselor, is among the 17 recipients statewide of the 2015 Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award. The annual UW System honor is given to faculty, staff, students or community members to recognize their contributions to diversity and the status of women within the UW System. This year marks the 20^th anniversary of the award. “The UW System has a longstanding commitment to promoting diversity at our institutions. The women we are honoring with these awards are shining examples of how innovative thinking and dedication can come together to impact and enrich the UW experience for everyone,” said UW System President Ray Cross. Recipients will be formally recognized Friday, Oct. 9 in Madison at an awards ceremony and luncheon, held in conjunction with UW System’s presentation of the Dr. P.B. Poorman Awards for Outstanding Achievement on Behalf of LGBTQ People. “When I created this award, the goal was to affirm and support the many women of color in the UW System who have dedicated their lives to enhancing higher education experiences and scope through advocacy,” says Andrea-Teresa “Tess” Arenas, who formerly served as both assistant vice president for academic affairs and senior advisor to the president for multicultural affairs at UW System. “This award is as important now as it was when I created it. I salute all women of color who through their tireless efforts have continued to shape their campuses to be sites of educational reform.” Read more about the 2015 Outstanding Women of Color in Education honorees.