2014 NASPA Latino/a Knowledge Community Awards
It’s Award Season, Familia!
Call for Nominations
2014 NASPA Latino/a Knowledge Community Awards
In keeping with the tradition of the Latino/a Knowledge Community, we are seeking nominations for the annual Mena-Valdez Awards Ceremony to take place at the 2014 NASPA conference in Baltimore, Maryland. The awards ceremony provides an opportunity for the LKC to recognize outstanding individuals within our community and those who have helped our community to flourish.
We are seeking nominations for the following awards:
• Amigo Award
• Outstanding New Program
• Outstanding Faculty Award
• Outstanding Graduate Student Award
• Outstanding New Professional Award
• Outstanding Mid-Level Professional Award
• Outstanding Senior Student Affairs Officer
To nominate someone for an award, please submit a letter of nomination along with the nominee’s current resume or CV to: Amanda Flores at floresa6@sfasu.edu.
Nominations are due by Friday, November 1, 2013
Mena-Valdez Award Ceremony – Brief History
Salvador Mena and Laura Valdez served as the inaugural national co-chairs of the Latino/a Knowledge Community. Both were instrumental in creating, establishing, and advancing Latino/a issues, concerns, and the agenda. As the inaugural co-chairs, we acknowledge and honor them with the official naming of this award ceremony.
Mena-Valdez Award Descriptions
Amigo Award
This award recognizes a NASPA member that has supported the efforts of the Latino/a Knowledge Community by providing support and encouragement toward the success of the organization. This individual has brought the needs of Latino/a students and professionals in higher education to the forefront.
Outstanding New Program
This award recognizes a NASPA member and/or university that have created new programs and/or services to better support and serve the Latino college community. This program and/or service have changed the landscape of the university and of the Latino student body population by highlighting the importance of a college-going Latino community.
Outstanding Faculty Award
This award is presented to a NASPA member that has contributed significant research and publication that promote the understanding of Latinos in higher education. This individual has stimulated the desire to learn in graduate or professional development environments and served as a role model to Latinos/as in the higher education community.
Outstanding Graduate Student Award
This award is presented to an outstanding graduate student in student affairs and services. This individual is a rising young professional who continuously seeks to integrate their research and practice with the needs of the Latino student population. This award highlights innovative work being conducted by new members in the student affairs community and the Latino community.
Outstanding New Professional Award
This award is presented to an outstanding new professional in student affairs and services. This NASPA member has worked 1-4 years in the student affairs field and has contributed in various ways to the student culture on campus. This professional is an up and coming member of the Latino/a Knowledge Community.
Outstanding Mid-Level Professional Award
This award is presented to an outstanding mid-level professional in student affairs and services. Mid-level professionals have a minimum of 5 years full-time experience in the student affairs field. This NASPA member has been involved with the organization for a number of years, has been actively involved with the Latino/a Knowledge Community, and has enhanced the Latino/a community at her/his institution by campus programs and/or initiatives.
Outstanding Senior Student Affairs Officer Award
This award is presented to a Senior Student Affairs Officer that has provided the advice and energy to the Latino/a Knowledge Community that advanced the organization’s success. This NASPA member has provided leadership and guidance to Latinos in higher education. Furthermore, this member has been an inspiration to new Student Affairs professionals.