November 12, 2010 — The University of Virginia's Office for Diversity and Equity is accepting nominations for the 2011 John T. Casteen III Diversity-Equity-Inclusion Award. The deadline has been extended until Feb. 15.

A luncheon will be held on March 18 to honor the recipient.

President Emeritus John T. Casteen III, in whose name the award was established earlier this year, was the inaugural recipient. Criteria for the award include:

•    Demonstrating a deep commitment and distinct passion for diversity at the University of Virginia and community;
•    Exemplifying a leadership role in increasing diversity, equity and inclusion at U.Va. and in the  community;
•    Achieving a sustainable and quantifiable impact on diversity, equity and inclusion at the University.

Any member of the University community – student, faculty or staff – is eligible for nomination.

Marcus L. Martin, interim vice president and chief officer for diversity and equity, is chairman of the selection committee, which includes Maria Chee, associate director of the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program; Amy Chen, student representative; Margaret Dame, a registered nurse in the Health Sciences Center; Kelli Palmer, assistant to the president; Edward Warwick, program coordinator for LGBT Student Services; Sheri Winston, director of the Audio Visual Group in Strategic Communications at the University; and a non-voting executive secretary.

In addition to the online nomination form, the committee requires three letters of support (one of which must be from outside the nominee's department or school).    

Letters may be submitted by e-mail, with attachments, to smc2j@virginia.edu or mailed to the attention of Shirley Cauley, Office for Diversity and Equity, Post Office Box 400881, Charlottesville VA 22904-4881. For information, e-mail Cauley or call 434-243-2080.