The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center at the University of Colorado at Boulder announced the winners of its first annual Ally of the Year Awards, presented to campus activists and allies who advocate for the GLBT community.
The four recipients are:
脽 Ally of the Year聴Brenda J. Allen, associate chair and associate professor of the communication department, for integrating GLBT issues in teaching and research
脽 Department Ally of the Year聴Student Academic Services Center, for anti-homophobia achievements in policies and courses
脽 Unsung Hero Award聴Richelle Melde, graduating senior, for developing the GLBT mentoring program
脽 LesBiGayTrans Person of the Year聴Nan Alamilla Boyd, assistant professor in the women聮s studies department, for developing the GLBT certificate program
The winners were chosen in a selection process that included a demonstrated commitment to the eradication of homophobic hate and active support for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities on the Boulder campus.
The awards were announced at the first annual Ally Gayla Awards Event, held Feb. 24 at the University Memorial Center and attended by approximately 100 people.
According to Beverly Tuel, GLBT Resource Center director, the event provided a forum for honoring the awardees and discussing relevant issues facing the GLBT community today.
"GLBT people have made much progress in the past decade, although much work still needs to be done," Tuel said. "We cannot make strides without the support of our non-gay allies. Honoring these allies was the purpose of this event."
The GLBT Resource Center provides information and referral services, educational, cultural and social programming and advocacy for the GLBT communities on the CU-Boulder campus. It also provides networking opportunities for GLBT groups on and off campus.
For more information, call the center at (303) 492-1377 or visit the Web site at .