Sources: Myra Gordon, 785-532-6276, mygordon@k-state.edu;
Ariel Anib, ariel957@k-state.edu; and Tom Giller, tom.giller@commercebank.com
News release prepared by: Megan Molitor, 785-532-1566, molitor@k-state.edu
Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012
Valuing equality: Student recognized for success in promoting multiculturalism
MANHATTAN -- Positive influences and campus involvement have each helped a Kansas State University student promote multiculturalism.
Ariel Anib, a senior from Olathe majoring in criminology and international studies, is the recipient of this year's Commerce Bank Presidential Award for Enhancing Multiculturalism. The award is given each year to recognize outstanding individual contributions to diversity by a student.
The recipient of the award receives a plaque and $500, said Tom Giller, community president of Commerce Bank, Manhattan.
"Since 1997, Commerce Bank and the William T. Kemper Foundation have partnered with Kansas State University to support this award that recognizes services and dedication to minority students," Giller said. "These outstanding students aid in the development of a multicultural education for other students at K-State."
In addition to a pre-law emphasis, Anib is also working on minors in Spanish, nonprofit leadership and American ethnic studies. While at the university, she has been involved in the Student Governing Association as the director of multicultural affairs and she served as the multicultural assistant of Goodnow Hall from 2010 to 2011. Anib has also been a leadership studies ambassador and has been involved with the Kansas State University Student Foundation from 2009 to 2011.
She currently serves as the president of the Nonprofit Leadership Student Alliance and leads a Bible study for multicultural students through Ichthus, a campus ministry.
Anib said she served on the selection committee for this award her sophomore year. Inspired, she applied her junior year and while she did not win, Anib said she refused to be discouraged. Faculty mentors encouraged her to try again with a different approach and when she did, she found success.
"This time, I created a video to communicate my passion for enhancing multiculturalism at Kansas State University," Anib said. "I know the last three people to receive this award, and they are the most influential people I have known. I thank God for his provision and am truly honored that my name can be counted as someone who believes that people of all cultures and backgrounds should be valued."
Myra Gordon, associate provost for diversity and chair of the Commerce Bank Award selection committee, said Anib has found success in extending diversity issues into the international arena.
"I have no doubt that Ariel can change the world," she said.
A 2008 graduate of Olathe East High School, Anib is the daughter of Raymond Moses-Anib and Rhonda Workcuff, Olathe.
