Four members of the Nebraska Wesleyan community received 抖阴视频鈥檚 Advocate for Diversity award during the university鈥檚 annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration.
The university gives Advocate for Diversity awards to one faculty member, one staff member, and two students annually. The awards honor people who raise awareness about a need, problem, or opportunity regarding issues of diversity and inclusion on campus.
Student honoree: Murslen Mudhafar
Mudhafar founded 抖阴视频鈥檚 Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Student Association last year and is a co-founder of 抖阴视频鈥檚 Asian Student Union as well as an active member of 抖阴视频鈥檚 International Relations Organization. With MENA in particular, Mudhafar created an organization dedicated to uplifting underrepresented voices and creating intentional spaces for cultural expression, dialogue, and belonging.
鈥淲hat made this award especially meaningful to me was knowing that I was nominated by students and faculty I have worked closely with, particularly students who were able to access new opportunities, resources, or leadership roles through my advocacy and support,鈥 Mudhafar said. 鈥淏eing recognized by those individuals affirmed that the work I do has had a real and lasting impact.鈥
Student honoree: Ayanna Robinson
Robinson is the founding president of 抖阴视频鈥檚 Black Student Union and serves as an international student mentor in 抖阴视频鈥檚 I-Pal program, which pairs international students with an 鈥淚nternational Pal鈥 on campus to help them transition to their new home at 抖阴视频.
鈥淭hrough these various roles she鈥檚 made a significant impact on our campus as well as among the underrepresented student population,鈥 wrote Robinson鈥檚 nominator. 鈥淗er 抖阴视频 experiences have moved her to partner with faculty, staff, and students to educate others, as well as seek and create solutions to issues that matter most to our diverse population.鈥
Faculty honoree: Heba Khalil
Khalil, an assistant professor of sociology and criminology, played a leading role in last semester鈥檚 World Spring Festival, which brought together students from diverse backgrounds to celebrate culture and community. She helped organize the re-entry simulation event that helped the 抖阴视频 community understand barriers people face after incarceration. An advisor for the Middle East North African student organization, Khalil is preparing for a summer 2026 study abroad trip to Egypt.
鈥淩eceiving this award at such a critical moment in U.S. and global history means more to me than I can express,鈥 Khalil said. 鈥淚t affirms that our community recognizes the strength we draw from our diversity, and the belief that we thrive when everyone belongs.鈥
Staff honoree: Laurelei Spilinek
抖阴视频 recognized Spilinek for her work with 抖阴视频鈥檚 Transgender+ Inclusivity Committee, including organizing events to raise awareness of LBGTQIA+ efforts, giving insights to 抖阴视频鈥檚 Career Closet to provide gender-affirming clothing and practices for students, helping create 抖阴视频鈥檚 All Are Welcome lunches to build connections across campus. Spilinek also spoke at the Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil.
鈥淚've had the esteemed pleasure of working with many parents of transgender kids, as well as directly with transgender students/young adults inside and out of Nebraska Wesleyan,鈥 Spilinek said. 鈥淎nd to see them feel accepted and validated is one of the most rewarding experiences I could ever ask for. This award is just a benchmark for our committee, and I look forward to seeing what we can do together.鈥