Prism Awards presented at Lavender Graduation

The second annual Prism Awards took place at the Lavender Graduation in the Kirkhof Center April 18.
 
Distinguished professor Patricia Oldt and Liberal Studies professor Milton E. Ford were recipients of a Prism Award and were selected from a slate of nominations submitted by members of the Faculty and Staff Association and approved by the FSA Steering Committee.
 
FSA President Forrest Clift said Oldt and Ford were chosen for their past work with the LGBT community at Grand Valley. “Pat and Milt’s work and commitment to ensuring the care and growth of the LGBT students, faculty, and staff community at Grand Valley has been nothing short of groundbreaking and inspiring,” Clift said. “To look at where we are, and where we have come from, it makes perfect sense that they both be recognized.”
 
The Prism Awards were first given last year as a way for the LGBT FSA to recognize the contributions of faculty and staff members who support the LGBT community at Grand Valley. Last year’s recipients included President Thomas J. Haas, Vice President for Inclusion and Equity Jeanne Arnold and Human Resources Director of Benefits and Wellness Dave Smith.

LGBT FSA Secretary Gary Van Harn received the Milt Ford Leadership Award from the LGBT Resource Center for his continued work and leadership with the Allies and Advocates program.

FSA recognized the newest steering committee members at the reception, and they are Shawn Bible, Megan Woller-Skar, Kyle Felker and Kim Ranger. They will join current members Gary Van Harn and Jerrod Nickels.