Mines students honored for commitment to diversity

Two Mines students were recognized this week for their outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion on campus.

 

Leah Reeder, a junior majoring in applied mathematics and statistics, and Peter Weddle, a PhD student in mechanical engineering, were both honored with the Martin Luther King Jr. Recognition Award at a luncheon Jan. 22. 

 

Recipients of the annual award are nominated by faculty, staff and students in recognition of efforts to develop innovative programs or policies that enhance diversity on campus, contributions to fostering understanding and respect for diversity within the campus community, and commitment to a philosophy of inclusion by initiating interactions between people of different backgrounds.

 

Reeder was honored for her leadership in encouraging the retention and increased enrollment of female students, particularly in applied mathematics and statistics.

 

This academic year, she is serving as an executive officer and outreach chair for the Society of Women in Mathematics (SWiM), executive officer and outreach chair for Society of Women Engineers (SWE), executive officer of the Mines Math Club and president of Equality Though Awareness (ETA). SWiM is a program designed to create a community of support for female faculty and students and enhance the diversity within the Applied Mathematics and Statistics Department. Reeder has been a member of SWiM since her first semester at Mines and a leader since her sophomore year. 

 

"Leah stands out in terms of her breadth of involvement and her devotion to issues surrounding diversity in STEM," her nomination reads. "She participates in programs both at Mines and in the surrounding community that work toward promoting diversity and inclusion in the STEM field."

 

Weddle was recognized for his contributions to the founding and growth of the Mines chapter of Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM).

 

During his time as president, Weddle helped develop Ally Week, an annual event for oSTEM to acknowledge and celebrate their allies, as well as celebrations of other visibility days and the oSTEM office hours program. He has also been involved with the President's Council for Diversity, Inclusion & Access and the Title IX office and worked with Facilities Management to identify gender-neutral bathrooms on campus

 

"Peter not only is an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, but for all marginalized groups on campus," the nomination reads. "He has helped to promote policy and access for marginalized students on campus, while also completing his bachelor's, master's and PhD at Mines. His efforts have helped positively with campus climate and helped to bridge the gap between students' and faculty's understanding of diversity and inclusion."