The Office for Women’s Affairs invites nominations for the OWA Outstanding Staff Award. This cash award, with a plaque, celebrates the contributions of a full-time IU staff person to the advancement of women’s concerns on the campus and in the community. Previous winners are: Joan Catapano, Janet Harnett, Emily Stuart, Doris Burton, Sally Jones, Leslie Sloane, Anne Reese, Laura Plummer, Cynthia Stone, Angela Dill, Melanie Castillo-Cullather, Norma Holland, Lorina Shraeder, Debbie Melloan, Felisha Legette-Jack, Janice Wiggins and Jackie Puterbaugh.

We welcome nominations for both men and women, from all staff categories: professional, support, technical, service and maintenance. Nominations do not necessarily have to come from supervisors, although we do welcome those as well. Please consider nominating a co-worker, a peer, or yourself!

We are, indeed, looking for nominations of individuals who go beyond their job descriptions to promote greater opportunities and equity for women. We know that there are many staff members on this campus who consistently and creatively work to enhance the lives of our women. So, if you know a staff member who works actively to address childcare needs, women’s health or safety concerns, diversity matters or other issues affecting women, please nominate the person!

While our primary consideration will be the staff person's contributions to the University, we also want to consider contributions to our community, for we know that many staff at IU also work hard to improve the lives of women and girls in our surrounding communities.

The primary consideration will be the staff person's contributions to the University, but we also want to consider contributions to our community, to acknowledge many staff members at IU who also work hard to improve the lives of women and girls in our surrounding communities. Think about nominating someone who has been involved in community work for women or girls, whether through scouting, sports for women and girls, programming for less privileged girls, support for survivors of domestic violence, or any of the significant programs that exist because of people’s commitment to making the lives of women better.

The link for nominations can be found below. Nominations must be received by February 3, 2012. Please email owa@indiana.edu once you have submitted the nomination with the name of the nominee and the names of those who will be writing the three letters of recommendation.