April 6, 2023
College of Arts and Sciences announces Benson Award recognizing contribution to diversity
The College of Arts and Sciences at Kansas State University has awarded a $1,000 Professor Douglas K. Benson Award to Samantha Weber, senior in Spanish, psychology and integrated health studies with a minor in biology. The award fosters and rewards student contributions to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging on campus.
Full-time undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences who have a 2.0 GPA or higher are eligible to apply by submitting a resumé and demonstrating their commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. The college's Diversity Committee selects one to three winners annually. More information is on the college's diversity webpage.
The award honors Douglas Benson, a retired K-State modern languages professor who advocated tirelessly around diversity topics at the university and beyond.
"We awarded Samantha the scholarship based on her involvement in diversity in several student organizations and her excellent essay describing her commitment to diversity and inclusion," said Stuart Miller, instructor in psychological sciences and member of the ArtSci Diversity Committee.
"Everyone has their own unique ancestry, personal culture and idiolect, and this must be recognized and respected in order to foster an environment that promotes true self-expression," Weber said. "I will always love and promote learning not only about the differences between countries, cultures and peoples and what sets them apart but also about their similarities and what aspects bring them together."
"We are pleased to recognize Samantha, a very deserving winner of this award and fine representative of Dr. Benson's commitment to diversity and legacy at K-State," said Kimathi Choma, assistant dean for diversity, recruitment and retention in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Kansas State University's College of Arts and Sciences is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. It offers student and faculty programs, scholarships and resources to foster and encourage diversity and help all students thrive in college and prepare for the professional world.