Published January 28, 2008
Adriana Magana, a University of Wyoming student from Green River, received the Willena
Stanford Commitment to Diversity Award.
The annual award honors a UW student who, through his or her actions, has demonstrated
a commitment to enhance and support diversity and equal educational opportunities
for all students at UW. A senior majoring in international studies with a minor in
Chicano studies, Magana was selected for her active leadership in student organizations
and activities at the university.
Magana is co-chair of Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanos de Atzlan (MEChA) and a member
of Sigma Lambda Gamma social sorority, the United Multicultural Council Task Force,
and the Minority Student Leadership Initiative. She was the 2005 outstanding active
member of MEChA and represented UW at the AAUW Women's Leadership Conference in 2006
as well as the Bahrom International Program in Seoul, South Korea, in 2006.
As a participant in the McNair Scholars Program, Magana presented her research at
a McNair symposium at the University of New Mexico in 2007. In addition, she has participated
in the Associated Black Student Leaders' fashion show and soul food dinner, Keepers
of the Fire fundraising events, and activities of St. Paul's Newman Center.
Her nominator stated, "What makes Adriana extraordinary is that she has the time management
and leadership skills to actually promote change and to see that change through to
fruition."
Also recognized at the supper were the other nominees for the award, including Amber
Baltes, a senior from Riverton majoring in geology/geophysics and secondary education;
Mario Miller, a sophomore in business administration from Atlanta, Ga.; and Joi Smith,
a junior from Thornton, Colo., majoring in molecular biology and minoring in African
American studies. Each was introduced at the dinner and presented a certificate of
nomination.
The award honors Willena Wilkinson Stanford, a UW graduate and longtime UW faculty
member, a former member of the Martin Luther King/Days of Dialogue Steering Committee,
and a dedicated advocate for educating and maximizing the potential of all people.
Magana received a framed certificate and a $500 credit at the University Bookstore
as part of her award. The award was presented by Tracey and Robert Ingram, members
of Stanford's family.
Previous recipients were Zanyaille Lyons of Cheyenne and Helen Chanthongthip of Rawlins.