DEI Awards

Oakland University is proud to offer the Monica E. Emerson Diversity Award in recognition of her many contributions to Oakland University and the surrounding community.

Oakland University Board of Trustee Emerita Monica E. Emerson is currently Principal of Inclusive Performance Solutions, a diversity and inclusion consultancy company. Formerly appointed by the Secretary of the Navy as the first Navy diversity officer for the U.S. Department of Navy, she advised top military officers and the senior executive service on all aspects of its diversity strategies and initiatives. She retired from DaimlerChrysler Corporation where she served as a member of its senior management team and as executive director of the corporate diversity office. A nationally-recognized corporate strategist on diversity and inclusion in the workplace, Ms. Emerson has received numerous awards including the Excellence in Leadership Award from the Women in Defense Michigan Chapter, Presidential Diversity Award from the National Association of Women Business Owners Greater Detroit Chapter and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women of Color in Technology and Business.

Trustee Emerita Emerson is a proud alumna of Oakland University where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in French and secondary education. She earned a Master of Arts degree in guidance and counseling from Wayne State University and a professional development in management degree from the University of Michigan.

Purpose:
The Monica E. Emerson Diversity Award annually recognizes significant achievements, creative programming efforts or innovative diversity and inclusion concepts of faculty, staff, students, alumni and academic units in developing a culturally diverse, compassionate university community reflective of inclusive excellence.

Eligibility: 
Nominations are welcome from any member of the university including self-nominations and university community partners. Candidates for the award should be engaged in meaningful diversity activities beyond one’s primary responsibilities at the university. Nominations are sought from the following categories: faculty, staff, students, administrative and academic units, student organizations, alumni and community members or organizations directly associated with Oakland University.

The nominees should:

• Promote awareness and understanding for diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Build sensitivities to people of different cultures and backgrounds.
• Partner with colleagues and or the community to create and implement initiatives and policies that build an inclusive environment.
• Prepare others to thrive in a globally diverse workforce.
• Create a sustainable “new idea or initiative that will enhance an inclusive environment.”

Award:
Awards for specific projects, programs and or practices that best reflect the implementation of Oakland University’s diversity and inclusion goals will be $1,000. Award selection will be based upon three criteria:

1. Significance - How has the nominee(s) demonstrated leadership and commitment to the enhancement, development and sustainability of diversity and inclusive excellence?
2. Innovation – How is/was this activity unique or different from existing activities and projects that address diversity and inclusiveness?
3. Impact – What are/will have been the measurable outcomes that demonstrate how this project/program/activity “move the needle” in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness throughout Oakland University and the community?

Public recognition for exemplary contributions will be acknowledged and presented annually to the recipient.

Nomination Process:
Nominations should include:

1. The candidate’s name, email and nomination category.
2. A letter of nomination that specifically addresses the listed criteria.
3. Other supporting materials, if necessary.

Nominations are due by March 15, 2024.  Apply for the Monica E. Emerson Diversity Award.

Direct questions to Lori Marsh at 248-370-4200 or [email protected].

Past Award Winners:
2016 - Nicole Wells Stallworth

2017 - Anne Switzer Zacharias

2018 - Karen Sheridan

2019 - no award

2020 - Chaunda Scott

2021 - Joi Cunningham

2022 - Michelle Southward

2023 - Deirdre Pitts

Oakland University is proud to offer the Timothy G. Larrabee SOGI Equity and Inclusion Award in recognition of his many contributions to the SOGI Initiative and to broader academic, cultural and community engagement goals of Oakland University and the surrounding community.

Timothy G. Larrabee, an Oakland University Associate Professor of Teacher Development and Educational Studies, was director of the SOGI Initiative, which strives to create a safe, welcoming supportive and inclusive campus climate for all students, staff, faculty and administrators regardless of sex, gender identity or sexual orientation, as well as to advocate for the larger LGBTQIA community.

Purpose:
The Timothy G. Larrabee Diversity Award annually supports a new initiative, program or project designed to advance SOGI equality and inclusion on campus. Award applications demonstrating the greatest potential to create a positive impact on all University students, faculty and staff receive the most favorable consideration.

Eligibility:
Applications are welcome from any member or group within the University community, and may include collaboration with University community partners. Proposed initiatives, programs and projects must clearly outline the means by which meaningful SOGI equity and inclusion activities beyond those of existing employee or department responsibilities will be supported.

Applications and nominations are sought from the following categories: faculty, staff, students, administrative and academic units, student organizations, alumni and community members or organizations directly associated with Oakland University.

Nominees should:

• Promote awareness and understanding or, as well as support for, the need to advance SOGI equity and inclusion efforts.
• Build sensitivities to people of various sexual orientations and gender identities.
• Partner with colleagues and or the community to implement activities and policies that support and enhance an inclusive environment.
• Prepare campus community members, partners, supporters and friends to thrive in professional and social environments.
• Create a sustainable new initiative that will enhance an inclusive environment.

Awards:
Awards for specific initiatives, programs and projects that most effectively advance Oakland University’s equity and inclusion goals will be granted in a sum up to $1,500. Each award amount and selection will be based upon three criteria:

• Significance - How has the applicant demonstrated thorough planning and a strong commitment to the proposed initiative, program or project that will help develop, enhance and sustain an equitable and inclusive environment for members of the GLBTQQI community?
• Innovation – How will the proposed initiative, program or project be unique or different from existing activities and projects that address SOGI equity and inclusiveness?
• Impact – What measurable outcomes will the proposed initiative, program or project produce to “move the needle” of SOGI equity and inclusiveness throughout Oakland University and the broader community?

Public recognition for exemplary contributions will be acknowledged and presented annually to the recipient.

Application/Nomination Process:
Applications/Nominations should include:

• The applicant’s name, email and nomination category.
• A letter of application that specifically explains how the proposed initiative, program or project addresses the listed award criteria.
• Other supporting materials, if necessary.

Application/Nominations are due by March 15, 2024.  Apply for the Timothy G. Larrabee SOGI Equity and Inclusion Award.

Direct questions to Lori Marsh at 248-370-4200 or [email protected].

Past Award Winners:
2017 - Out on Campus Initiative

2018 - Mark C. Navin

2019 - no award

2020 - Lacey Story

2021 - LGBTQIA ERG

2022 - Pride Project by Michael Chaney

2023 - no award