UC Riverside’s Student Disability Resource Center honored faculty, staff, and students who have served as outstanding allies to students with disabilities at its annual recognition ceremony.
Honorees, who were recognized May 27, were nominated by students affiliated with the center based on their “exemplary commitment to advocating for students with disabilities.”
Jennifer Doyle, a professor of English, received the faculty award. A student in her class who is blind said Doyle went above and beyond with her outreach and ensuring that materials were accessible.
Michael Wozniak, a doctoral student in physics, received the teaching assistant award. A student who nominated him described Wozniak as investing “extra time beyond office hours to ensure my understanding of the taught materials without ever making me feel less or judged with respect to requesting additional assistance.”
Maria Keller, associate director of the Student Disability Resource Center, received the staff award. A student who nominated her described Keller as providing help with both personal and educational issues and being a strong advocate for students.
Finally, the department award went to the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology.
Honorable mentions in the faculty category also recognized: Edward Korzus, an associate professor of psychology; Derek Mkhaiel, an instructor in the University Writing Program; Corinna Cott, an instructor in education; Brandon Williams, an instructor in creative writing; and Malia Womack, an instructor in gender and sexuality studies.
Marielys Burgos Melendez, a doctoral student in critical dance studies, received an honorable mention for the teaching assistant category. Idalia Torres, a disability specialist at the Student Disability Resource Center, received an honorable mention as a staff member.