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ÂÜÀòÉç Presents 2012 Multicultural Awards

Ahmed Rehab, executive director, CAIR-Chicago, was the guest speaker at the awards banquet.

Awards presented to University community and partners

CHICAGO (May 1, 2012) – ÂÜÀòÉç presented its to students, faculty, staff, and community partners in recognition of their commitments to diversity, cultural advocacy, and justice. Award winners represented various areas of campus life such as academics, athletics, campus involvement, community service, spirituality, and leadership. The awards were presented April 20 at a banquet at the , Chicago.

Award recipients and their awards included:

• Academic Excellence Award: Kelly Reichel, Bloomington, Minn., and Danerra Hill, Miami, Fla.
• Cultural Advocacy Award: George Habash, Jerusalem
• Faculty Commitment to Diversity Award: Dr. Rupe Simms, professor of Africana studies
• Staff Commitment to Diversity Award: Ann-Helen Anderson, assistant director, International Office
• Cultural Arts Award: Jennifer Velker, Ann Arbor, Mich.
• Athletic Excellence Award: Bridgette Gray, Prospect Heights, Ill.
• Spiritual Leadership Award: Karen Kelly, Mexico City
• Graduate Student Award: Nathan Finch, Barcelona, Spain
• Global Partnerships Award: Lisette Gregorio, Berkeley, Ill.
• Urban Outreach Award: Riane McConnel, Kentwood, Mich.
• Outstanding Seminary Student Award: Stefan Fritz, Chicago, and Darlene Kelley, Chicago
• International Student Award: Winnie Ho, Chicago
• Community Partnership Award: Pastor Michael Neal, Glorious Light Church, Chicago
• Resident Advisor Commitment to Diversity Award: Cecilia "CeCe" Carlson, Beloit, Wis.
• CLASS Student Senator Commitment to Diversity Award: Jacob Gustafsson, Göteborg, Sweden
• Commitment to Diversity as an Adult Learner Award: Adriana Ramirez, Chicago
• Vernard Jones Award for Leadership: Ericka Rodriguez, Chicago

Students, faculty and staff were recognized at the 2012 Multicultural Awards banquet.

, executive director, the (CAIR), Chicago chapter, spoke to the nearly 400 people who attended the awards banquet, commenting on the challenges of his work and his own life story that led him to the United States. Rehab, born in Egypt, has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Chicago universities. CAIR was established in 1994 to challenge stereotypes of Islam and Muslims. The organization has a nationwide presence and is headquartered on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. In addition, musical selections were performed by undergraduate Leslie Moore.

The Multicultural Awards Banquet is sponsored by the ÂÜÀòÉç .

Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .