2011 Human Dignity Award Winners

The Human Dignity Award recognizes individuals and groups demonstrating extraordinary commitment to the practice of diversity and social justice at Rutgers and in their communities. The Award will honor members from Camden, Newark, and New Brunswick. Additionally, projects must be ongoing and have actual and potential sustainability. Individual recipients will receive a citation and $1,000, a portion of which may be given to an organization of their choice. Recipients accepting on behalf of their organizations will receive citations and $1,500 for their organizations.

Linda Bosniak:  Prof. Linda Bosniak is a Distinguished Professor of Law at the Law School, Camden Campus.  She is one of the nation’s leading scholars of immigration and citizenship.  In addition to her intellectual work, she actively organizes and participates in community forums to promote the rights of non-citizens.  She joined the Rutgers Camden Law School faculty in 1992.  Prof. Bosniak was nominated by Prof. Edward Ramsamy, Associate Professor, SAS/Africana Studies.

Marisol Conde-Hernandez (SAS/2011):  Ms. Marisol Conde-Hernandez has demonstrated exemplary courage in her long-term and widespread advocacy on behalf of undocumented students, her effective leadership in championing the need for immigration reform legislation, and her advocacy of the Dream Act and the In-State Tuition Bill. She has maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.9.  Ms. Conde-Hernandez was nominated by Vice President of Enrollment Management, Courtney McAnuff.

Engineers Without Borders-RU (Student Chapter of EWB-USA):  EWB-RU promotes diversity in its on-campus activities and throughout the world.  The organization has travelled to improve water quality for diverse communities in Thailand, Guatemala, and Kenya.  EWB-RU establishes long-term commitments to each community with whom it works and believes in replicating its successes.  EWB-RU was nominated by Thomas Papathomas, Busch Campus Dean, Thomas Farris, Dean of the Engineering School, and Michael Stillwagon, Busch Campus Dean of Students.

Aaron P. Lee (SAS/2011):  For three years, Mr. Aaron P. Lee has made contributions in the realm of education, awareness, and advocacy regarding transgender student issues.  Time after time, Mr. Lee has demonstrated courage and emotional resolve in recounting his own painful stories and experiences as a gender nonconforming adolescent, a transitioning first year college student, and transgender person.  Mr. Lee was nominated by Jenny Kurtz, Director of the Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities and Mark Schuster, Senior Dean of Students. 

Darren  L. Clarke, Executive Director of Continuing Education and Global Programs  (GSE):  Dr. Darren L. Clarke conceptualized and spearheaded the South African Initiative in 2001.  Now in its 10th year, this path-breaking program connects educators in the United States and South Africa.  Because of Dr. Clarke’s perseverance, these educators have together bridged cultures and developed innovative pedagogies through service learning, training, and distance technology, leading to educational gains for students and educators in both countries.  Dr. Clarke was nominated by Prof. James Giarelli and head of the Department of Educational Theory, Policy, and Administration.

Members of the Human Dignity Award Subcommittee are:  Nancy Cintron, Ernest MarioSchool of Pharmacy, Lila Fredenburg, University Libraries, Diane Harris, Admissions, Delia Pitts, Student Affairs, Eve R. Sachs, Future Scholars, Mark Schuster, Dean of Students, Genevieve Sumski, Paul Robeson Campus Center/Newark, Edward Ramsamy (Chairperson), SAS/Africana Studies Department, James Whitney III, TRO/Upward Bound.