Disabilities Studies Professor Gilson Honored for Leadership in Diversity
Contact: Sandra Horne, 581-1236
ORONO – Stephen Gilson, professor of social work and of interdisciplinary disability studies, Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies, recently received the prestigious 2008 Multicultural Council Award for Leadership in Diversity from the national Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD).
The AUCD is a membership organization of three national networks of interdisciplinary, university-based centers dedicated to research, education, leadership training, policy development and direct service for people with disabilities.
The Multicultural Council Award for Leadership in Diversity is presented to an association member or group in recognition of leadership and commitment to advancing programs and practices aimed at increasing the diversity, cultural, or linguistic competencies in curriculum, services, supports, research and recruitment within a center and the AUCD network as a whole.
According to the Multicultural Council of the AUCD, Gilson was recognized “as a vocal and passionate advocate for multicultural inclusion who has advanced a unique, expansive and progressive theory about the meaning of multiculturalism beyond its current usage. When he speaks of multiculturalism, he includes not only specific ethnic and racial groups, but expands diversity to include but extend beyond those categories to include economic, spiritual, social, intellectual, geographic, and physical diversity as well as diversity of ideas. He integrates progressive theory and open discussion in his classes and engages in activism throughout his own professional and personal life.”
He received the award from Michael Gamel-McCormick, president-elect, and William Kiernan, president, of the AUCD board of directors during the annual meeting and conference in Washington.