A 2023 Richmond High School graduate and an Indiana University East associate professor have received statewide recognition.
One student and one additional community member (faculty, staff, local organization, etc.) from each IU campus and IU’s School of Medicine are recognized each year with the Building Bridges Award for promoting equality, diversity, inclusion and respect. Honorees demonstrate a passion for empowering others.
Nathan Hogg, a first-year communications major, received the student award. Hogg significantly revitalized the Multicultural Affairs Club (MAC) at IU East and is the group’s president. It now has 10 active members.
Hogg said he appreciates the opportunity to work with advisers Yemi Mahoney and LaCalvince Simpson and fellow members to reactivate the club. The group’s purpose is to promote unity and community on campus. Members partnered with Richmond’s Meltdown Winter Ice Festival to distribute swag, helped with Hispanic Heritage and Diwali events, participated in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and partnered with IUE’s Student Government Association to donate food for the campus pantry.
Hogg also is reaching out to other Richmond colleges in hopes of MAC collaborating with their students.
The community recipient is Wazir Mohamed, Ph.D., associate professor of sociology at IU East. According to a news release, Mohamed consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to exposing students to diverse voices from various cultures and backgrounds.
Additionally, he helps coordinate on- and off-campus programs and initiatives to unite the community and introduce members to constructive dialogue and cultural activities.
Mohamed grew up in racially divided Guyana in the 1960s and ’70s and those experiences shaped his research for his doctorate from Binghamton University and influence his scholarship today.
The annual awards are given during celebrations of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy.
To nominate someone for the 2025 Building Bridges Award, visit mlkcelebration.indiana.edu by Dec. 18.
A version of this article appeared in the February 28 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.