Pitt’s diversity awards will be presented Jan. 26, and nominations are now being accepted to recognize those changemakers who are advancing equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility across the University. The deadline for nominations is Dec. 4.
Both the UPSIDE Award and the Creating a Just Community Award will be presented during the Martin Luther King Jr. Social Justice Week.
Since 2016, the University Prize for Strategic, Inclusive, and Diverse Excellence (“UPSIDE”) has been presented each year to a Pitt school, division, initiative or program area that has made an outstanding effort toward increasing diversity and inclusion. The award includes a $10,000 prize.
Factors for consideration include a consistent, multi-year effort to increase diversity and inclusion; innovative approaches to diversity and inclusion in areas such as recruitment, retention, and promotion in academic programming and business activities; and programs that have developed creative and innovative approaches that can serve as models for other University business units.
Last year’s award was presented to the Office of Faculty Diversity & Development and the Office of Health Sciences Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion for their work on the “Race & ...” initiative.
The Creating a Just Community Award debuted in 2014. It recognizes Pitt faculty and staff members who have made outstanding efforts to create a more just, equitable and inclusive University community. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize.
The 2023 award was presented to Michele Reid-Vazquez, the founding director of the Center for Ethnic Studies Research and leader of the Afrolatinidad Studies Initiative.
Nomination forms are available online:
For more information about either award, email diversity@pitt.edu.