The University of Delaware Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity is seeking nominations for the Mary Custis Straughn Excellence in Higher Education Disability Advocacy Award.

The award will recognize a member of the University community whose advocacy, leadership, research, teaching or service promotes access and excellence for people with disabilities in higher education and who contributes to the creation of a University culture that engages and embraces disability within its vision for diversity.

Nominations are due by Friday, Sept. 14, and should be submitted to vpd@udel.edu. Self-nominations are accepted. The award will be presented at an event in October.

Mary Custis Straughn, a 1955 graduate of the University of Delaware who developed multiple sclerosis at age 38, was a dedicated advocate for ensuring the rights of people with disabilities and creating educational opportunities for them. Her legacy has endured through the Mary Custis Straughn Endowment for Disabled Students at UD, which supports a variety of disability support services on campus. The University established the annual award in honor of Ms. Straughn and the 25^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which she actively promoted.

For more information on the Mary Custis Straughn Excellence in Higher Education Disability Advocacy Award or other award programs coordinated by the Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity, please visit http://sites.udel.edu/diversity/awards/.