Noor Azizan-Gardner, assistant deputy chancellor for diversity and chief diversity officer at MU, welcomes guests to the 2013 Inclusive Excellence and Faculty Achievement in Diversity ceremony on Feb. 25.

“We seek to make this a place where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their background or beliefs,” said Deputy Chancellor Michael Middleton as he began a diversity award ceremony at MU.

David Tager, Erika Patterson and Susan Even accept their Inclusive Excellence award for their work in improving mental and physical health care for transgender students at MU. Not pictured: Jessica Semler.

Jennifer Chism, an academic advisor in the Trulaske College of Business, won an Inclusive Excellence award for her work with the Vasey Academy, which helps minority students get into the business world. 

Tracy Johnson, a law student, won an Inclusive Excellence award for her re-establishing Lambda Legal, a group that pushes for legal rights for the LGBTQ community. She is also involved in community diversity efforts. Nominator Aaron Prenger said, “S

Rhonda Miller, an accelerated nursing student, won an Inclusive Excellence award for her works as the founder of the Diversity in Nursing Association, or DNA. “She possesses the unique ability to see beyond her own struggles,” said nominator L

Clyde Ruffin, theatre department chair, won an Inclusive Excellence award for, among other things, creating the World Theatre Workshop. “If you don’t know who he is, then you have been under a rock,” said nominator Heather Carver. Ruffin

MU student Ana Gutierrez-Gamez praises Spanish professor Demetrio Anzaldo Gonzalez, who won a Faculty Achievement in Diversity Award. Gutierrez-Gamez described him as “one of the hidden gems of the university.” She also said he challenges stud

Antonio Castro, a social studies and teacher education professor, won a Faculty Achievement award. He has "a flair for all things diversity," said MU student Kristofferson Culmer. Culmer hasn't taken any of Castro's classes, and Castro joked that

Astrid Villamil, a visiting professor in the communication department, receives her award from Cathy Scroggs, vice chancellor of student affairs. She urges her students to “believe that there is a light at the end of the tunnel,” and that they