August 30, 2024
College of Arts and Sciences announces 2024 Benson Awards recognizing contribution to diversity
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Eric Benson, left, the late Doug Benson's son, helped present the awards to Omuniq McFadden and Andrew Navarro, along with Assistant Dean Kimathi Choma, at the Student Diversity Summit. |
The College of Arts and Sciences at Kansas State University has awarded two $500 Professor Douglas K. Benson Awards to Omuniq McFadden, senior in physical science, and Andrew Navarro, junior in political science with a minor in Spanish. The students were recognized at the college's Student Diversity Summit in April.
"We selected Omuniq and Andrew for this award because of their involvement in diversity through several student organizations and their excellent essays describing their commitment to diversity and inclusion," said Stuart Miller, instructor in psychological sciences and member of the Arts and Sciences Diversity Committee.
The Benson Award fosters and rewards student contribution to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging on campus. It honors the late Douglas Benson, who was a K-State modern languages professor who advocated tirelessly around diversity topics at the university and beyond.
"Promoting diversity and inclusion isn't just a moral imperative but also essential for our collective progress and well-being," said McFadden. "It's about recognizing the humanity in each of us and creating spaces where everyone can thrive. I believe that by championing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, we can create a brighter and more equitable future for all."
"Culture is a part of the very fabric of our being," said Navarro. "If someone fails to understand how my expression relates to me, they fail to understand me. It would be a great shame and loss in this world to reject the parts of us that are different, because these differences, when embraced and celebrated, provide richness, depth, and understanding to our shared human experience."
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 resume 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.
"We are pleased to recognize Omuniq and Andrew with this award," said Kimathi Choma, assistant dean for diversity, recruitment and retention in the College of Arts and Sciences. "They both are very deserving and fine representatives of Dr. Benson's commitment to diversity and legacy at K-State."