April 1, 2024 | By Nick Pfost
Spectrum Center director Jesse Beal and associate director Tristan Morton have been recognized for their work by ACPA, an international association of college and university educators and professionals. Beal received the Petey Peterson Public Service Award and Morton received the Dr. Sheltreese D. McCoy Advocacy Award.
“I’m honored and privileged to work with such exceptional colleagues,” said Connie Tingson Gatuz, associate vice president for student life at the University of Michigan. “Jesse and Tristan's hard work, dedication, and exemplary contributions have significantly impacted the Spectrum Center, the university, and higher education at-large. This national recognition is well-deserved, and we are incredibly grateful and inspired by their accomplishments.”
The Petey Peterson Public Service Award is given to practitioners who are making significant contributions to higher education and institutions of higher education through the support of and efforts advancing LGBTQ awareness. Beal was recognized for their work and intentional assessment of the queer community on campus and service to students and staff.
The Dr. Sheltreese D. McCoy Advocacy Award is given for significant student or staff advocacy for QTBIPOC communities. Morton was selected for zir self-evident dedication to cultivating joy and advocating for marginalized communities to make campus a more just, inclusive place to learn and grow.
The honors were awarded by ACPA’s Coalition for Sexuality and Gender Identities at the association’s recent annual conference in Chicago, Illinois.
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