May 17, 2007

PULLMAN, Wash. - For the second time this year, the Washington State University Athletic Department has been honored for its efforts in diversity.

Earlier this year, the department was bestowed with the Diversity in Athletics Award presented by the Laboratory for Diversity in Sport at Texas A&M University.

Last month, Athletics was one of three WSU departments, along with Residence Life and the University Recreation Center, that were recognized by the WSU campus affiliate of the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI). The award given to the three departments recognized their efforts and continuous support of the NCBI and the Diversity Education Initiative.

"NCBI is not considered a job but a way of life for the committed and driven leaders that represent these departments," WSU Diversity Education Director Jeff Guillory said. "Many people aspire to become leaders and others live it. This is the kind of leadership we have in Athletics, Residence Life, and the University Recreation Center."

"We are gratified to be honored once again for our diversity efforts," WSU Director of Athletics Jim Sterk said. "This praise would not be possible if not for the hard work of our staff and student-athlete population. Their commitment and devotion to diversity is reflected with these awards."

NCBI is a non-profit leadership training organization based in Washington, D.C. Since 1984, NCBI has been working to eliminate prejudice and inter-group conflict in communities, organizations, and college campuses throughout the world. NCBI offers prevention-oriented programs to deal with prejudice and inter-group tensions. NCBI training offers powerful tools for genuine dialogue that helps build relationships across systems giving a renewed sense of community.

For more information on the National Coalition Building Institute, please go to http://www.diversity.wsu.edu/ncbi.html