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2008 Multicultural Council Award for Leadership in Diversity

November 12, 2008

Stephen Gilson awarded 2008 Multicultural Council Award for Leadership in Diversity

Stephen Gilson, PhD, of the Center for Community Inclusion & Disability Studies, University of Maine received the 2008 Multicultural Council Award for Leadership in Diversity at the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) Annual Meeting and Conference.
From left to right:
Michael Gamel-McCormick, PhD, Director, Center for Disabilities Studies, University of Delaware
Stephen Gilson, PhD, of the Center for Community Inclusion & Disability Studies, University of Maine
William Kiernan, PhD, Institute for Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts

Stephen Gilson, PhD, of the Center for Community Inclusion & Disability Studies, University of Maine received the 2008 Multicultural Council Award for Leadership in Diversity at the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) Annual Meeting and Conference.

The Multicultural Council Award for Leadership in Diversity is presented to an Association member or group in recognition of: their exhibited leadership and commitment to advancing programs and practices aimed toward increasing the diversity, cultural, and/or linguistic competencies, exemplary programs and practices addressing the areas of diversity, cultural, and/or linguistic competencies, significant contributions in furthering the cause of diversity understanding for the needs of families seeking disability services.

Wrote his nominator, "The Multicultural Council honors and recognizes Dr. Gilson as a vocal and passionate advocate for multicultural inclusion who has advanced a unique, expansive and progressive theory about the meaning of multiculturalism beyond its current usage. When he speaks of multiculturalism, he includes not only specific ethnic and racial groups, but expands diversity to include but extend beyond those categories to include economic, spiritual, social, intellectual, geographic, and physical diversity as well as diversity of ideas.  He integrates progressive theory and open discussion in his classes and engages in activism throughout his own professional and personal life."

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Established in 1971, AUCD is a membership organization comprised of three national networks of interdisciplinary, university-based Centers dedicated to research, education, leadership training, policy development, and direct service for people with disabilities.