Universities of Wisconsin Honor Achievements of LGBTQ+ Advocates and Their Allies through 2024 Awards
In a significant acknowledgment of advocacy and inclusivity, the Universities of Wisconsin have announced the 13 honorees of the prestigious 2024 Dr. P.B. Poorman Award for Outstanding Achievement on Behalf of LGBTQ+ People. The award, named in memory of Dr. Paula B. Poorman from UW-Whitewater, highlights individuals contributing significantly to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ communities and their allies across university campuses.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Advocacy
Established 16 years ago, the Dr. P.B. Poorman Award has become a beacon of recognition for those diligently working to promote equality and create support systems within academic institutions. It celebrates achievements in advocacy, activism, or scholarship within the LGBTQ+ community. Dr. Poorman, remembered fondly for her commitment to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals, has inspired many to continue her legacy of inclusiveness and acceptance.
The 2024 award ceremony is scheduled for December 4 in Madison, held in conjunction with the Outstanding Women of Color in Education Awards. This joint celebration emphasizes the interconnected nature of diverse advocacies and the collaborative efforts needed to foster systemic change within educational spaces.
“Honorees are helping build a better experience for our students, faculty, and staff,” remarked Jay Rothman, President of the Universities of Wisconsin. “This award recognizes their achievements in creating a safer and inclusive climate at our universities.”
Honoring Diverse Contributions
This year’s Dr. P.B. Poorman Award recipients represent a diverse array of roles and efforts across campuses, from faculty, and staff, to students, each playing a pivotal part in advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community:
– Dr. Rae Langes (UW-Eau Claire) – Assistant Professor in Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
– Dr. William Dirienzo (UW-Green Bay) – Chair of Physics and Associate Professor
– Dr. Víctor Macías-González (UW-La Crosse) – Professor of History and Advocate, Author
– Dr. Scott Seyforth (UW-Madison) – Assistant Director of Residence Life for University Housing
– Nathan Sheppard (UW-Milwaukee) – Clinical Case Manager for Student Health and Wellness Center
– Carmen Hetzel (UW-Oshkosh) – Program Advisor for Student Organization and Leadership Programs
– Ren Griffith (UW-Parkside) – Undergraduate Student and Genders and Sexualities Advocacy Center Advocate
– Isabelle Emerson (UW-Platteville) – Undergraduate Student and Vice President of The Alliance
– Dr. Michelle Parkinson (UW-River Falls) – Professor of English Literature and TESOL
– Trescha Kay (UW-Stevens Point) – Speech Language Pathologist and Clinical Assistant Professor
– Fred Jomo Brown (UW-Stout) – LGBTQIA+ Program Manager
– Melinda Yingling (UW-Superior) – Housing Coordinator and Free Mom Hugs Area Coordinator
– Dr. Ellie Schemenauer (UW-Whitewater) – Associate Professor and Chair of Women’s and Gender Studies Department
Each honoree has been selected for their unique contributions, improving the environment for LGBTQ+ students and staff and working tirelessly for equity and inclusion.
Local Impact and Ongoing Challenges
The Universities of Wisconsin, serving approximately 164,400 students and conferring nearly 37,000 degrees annually, play a critical role in shaping the future workforce and cultural landscape of the state. The impact of the universities is profound, with nearly 90% of in-state graduates remaining in Wisconsin five years post-graduation, contributing significantly to the state’s economy and society.
Recognition through the Dr. P.B. Poorman Award not only highlights individual achievement but also underscores the broader commitment to fostering diversity and acceptance within campus boundaries. These efforts reflect and resonate within the surrounding communities, spreading awareness and encouraging inclusivity beyond the confines of academia.
Victor Delgado, a community organizer based in Milwaukee, sees the awards as more than symbolic. “When our educational institutions lead with inclusivity and recognition of diversity, it sets a tone for the entire community. It inspires young people to expect and demand acceptance and equality in all aspects of life,” he said.
Looking Forward: Envisioning a More Inclusive Future
While the awards ceremony highlights significant progress, it also signals the ongoing work required to ensure comprehensive equity and support for LGBTQ+ individuals. Ongoing challenges include addressing systemic inequality and fostering environments where all students and staff feel valued and supported.
Dr. Teresa Hennings, a sociologist specializing in LGBTQ+ studies at UW-Madison, emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and action. “Awards like these remind us how far we’ve come but also illuminate the path ahead. True inclusivity requires constant reevaluation and commitment to change,” she remarked.
The persistent dialogue between advocates, policymakers, and educators is essential in instituting long-lasting change and setting an example for other institutions and communities seeking progress in inclusivity.
For those interested in learning more about past and present award honorees and their impact, resources are available at [Universities of Wisconsin – Dr. P.B. Poorman Award](https://www.wisconsin.edu/grants-awards/poorman-award/).
A Call to Action
As the December 4 ceremony approaches, it serves as a reminder and a call to action. The Universities of Wisconsin, through celebrations of such awards, endeavor to inspire further initiatives promoting equity and inclusion, working diligently to ensure that stories of advocacy and progress continue to unfold across campuses and communities alike.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact Mark Pitsch at (608) 265-3419 or via email at mpitsch@uwsa.edu.
