AUSTIN, Texas—The Division of Housing and Food Service at The University of Texas at Austin has been chosen by the National Association of College Auxiliary Services (NACAS) as recipient of the 2005 Golden Award, a national diversity award recognizing outstanding campus leadership, activities and programs promoting awareness and inclusion.
The university’s Division of Housing and Food Service, directed by Floyd Hoelting, was selected for the NACAS award in the organizational category.
Among the significant achievements leading to the award was the Division of Housing and Food Service’s success in getting approval from the Board of Regents of The University of Texas to name a new residence hall, now under construction, in honor of Almetris “Mama” Duren. She is recognized for the service and dedication she provided to African American and other students during the difficult time of desegregation.
Another factor leading to the award was the Division of Housing and Food Service’s Diversity Education Model, which includes a 10-point plan for creating diversity initiatives. The model features required diversity education training for all supervisors and team leaders, and awarding of possible merit increases is directly linked to staff members achieving their required diversity education hours. The model was implemented in 1996 and is reviewed and updated annually. Several of the division’s staff members submitted personal testimonies detailing progress made since the implementation of the Diversity Education Model.
The Division of Housing and Food Service already has begun work on an initiative to create cultural galleries in two residence halls. One gallery will feature women who have made significant contributions to the history of Texas and the other will highlight the 45 cultural influences expressed in Texas. The division is collaborating with the Institute of Texas Cultures in San Antonio, Texas, on this project.
The award will be presented at the National Association of College Auxiliary Services’ annual fall conference opening banquet in San Antonio, Nov. 13.
Dr. Margarita Arellano, associate dean of students at The University of Texas at Austin, nominated the Division of Housing and Food Service for the award.
For more information contact: Gloria Allen, Division of Housing and Food Service, 512-232-5695, Robert D. Meckel, Office of Public Affairs, 512-475-7847.
