UCLA Chemistry & Biochemistry graduate student Steven Lopez (Houk Group) is the student recipient of the UCLA Academic Senate’s 2014 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award.
Nominations for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award are collected annually from the entire campus. This year, Steven Lopez was selected, amongst many qualified nominees, by the UCLA Academic Senate Committee on Diversity and Equal Opportunity as one of two awardees to receive such a distinction. Lopez’ selection is a tribute to his tremendous efforts and contributions he has made to pursue and advance diversity efforts at the UCLA campus. The Academic Senate proudly acknowledges Lopez’ contributions towards a diverse, impartial, and inclusive academic environment at UCLA. A reception will be held in Steven Lopez’ honor on May 20, 2014 at the Chancellor’s Residence. 
Left: Steven Lopez; Right: Steven Lopez (back, middle right) with OCDC*
hosting a UCLA tour for local community college students. *UCLA Organization for Cultural Diversity in Chemistry (OCDC). To find out more about OCDC, please visit: www.chem.ucla.edu/ocdc/
History of the Award
The Academic Senate Task Force on a Fair and Open Academic Environment was established in 1991, following a call from the system-wide Academic Senate and the Office of the President to “establish programs designed to raise the awareness and sensitivity of faculty and staff to potentially prejudicial or discriminatory practices and behaviors.” One of the recommendations of the Task Force, approved at the May 23, 1995 Legislative Assembly, was that the Chancellor should establish a system of campus recognition and rewards for faculty, administrators, students, and staff who are especially successful in a fair and open environment.
In 2009 the Committee on Diversity and Equal Opportunity made three major changes to the award: (1) the award name was changed from the Fair and Open Academic Environment Award to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award, (2) the award will be held on an annual basis, and (3) Faculty and students are the only eligible recipients for the award.
Nominations are reviewed and the winners are determined by the Academic Senate Committee on Diversity and Equal Opportunity.
Awards of $2,000 are given to one faculty member and one student annually.
