Nominations sought for UW System P.B. Poorman Award

The Division of Student Life is seeking nominations for UW–Madison’s recipient of the UW System P.B. Poorman Award. This is the first year that the award has been expanded from a single recipient for the entire UW System to 14 recipients, one from each comprehensive institution. Initiated in 2006, this award will recognize a UW–Madison faculty, academic or classified staff member, or registered student for their excellence in advocacy, research, teaching or service on behalf of the LGBTQ communities.

To nominate an individual for consideration, please submit the following information electronically to Vice Provost and Dean of Students Lori Berquam (dean@studentlife.wisc.edu) by May 13, 2015:

• A cover page that includes: the honoree’s preferred name and contact information, and the nominator’s preferred name and contact information; and
• A one-page biographical statement that outlines the honoree’s contributions as defined by the award criteria.

A ceremony and luncheon to honor the award recipients will take place at noon at UW–Madison’s Gordon Dining and Event Center on October 9, 2015, coinciding with the Board of Regents meeting.

The award is named after the late UW-Whitewater psychology Professor P.B. Poorman, who played an instrumental role in the foundation of the UW System Inclusivity Initiative for LGBTQ People. Her contributions to improving the lives of LGBTQ students, faculty and staff through research, teaching, service and advocacy all served to define the systemwide Inclusivity Initiative. Poorman used her boundless energy, humor and determination to foster action and to help the organizing effort gain recognition from the wider university community. To honor P. B. Poorman’s legacy to the state of Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin System, and the LGBTQ communities, the UW System LGBTQ Inclusivity Initiative established this annual award in her name.