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Two exceptional individuals from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences were honored Jan. 21, 2016, as recipients of the Iowa State University Martin Luther King, Jr. Advancing One Community Awards. Dianne Bystrom, director of the Carrie Chapman-Catt Center for Women and Politics, and Jazmin Murguia, a senior in journalism and mass communication, were recognized at a ceremony in the Sun Room at the Memorial Union.

The awards are part of the university’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Convocation, a celebration of Dr. King’s vision and efforts in the name of equality. Bystrom and Murguia were chosen for their relentless commitment to Dr. King’s principles and goals over a sustained period of time, and their actions to help create an inclusive multicultural community.

L to R: Jazmin Murguia and Dianne Bystrom, recipients of the Iowa State Martin Luther King, Jr. Advancing One Community Awards.

Bystrom was recognized for her long-term efforts to promote social justice and equality both on and off campus. Under her leadership, the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics refined its focus to promote leadership, diversity and inclusiveness for all students. Over the years, she expanded and created numerous programs that prepare students and others for leadership; inspire students, faculty and staff to engage in civic activities; increase accountability for lack of diversity; and empower multiple audiences to seek out and secure equality and social justice.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this award,” said Bystrom. “I appreciate the support and collaborative efforts of numerous colleagues who are committed to creating a more diverse, inclusive and welcoming environment at Iowa State.”

Murguia serves multiple leadership roles on campus, including director of student diversity for student government. In this official capacity and through informal roles, she has created, coordinated, and participated in monumental activities and events that made a true impact on attitudes and awareness of the climate of inclusiveness on campus.

For example, Murguia played a major role in creating a student panel event, “A Discussion on Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion at Iowa State” with ISU President Leath; mentors new students; served on the search committee for ISU’s vice president of diversity and inclusion, and facilitates community-building events for the Bridging Opportunities in Leadership and Diversity (BOLD), an academic and social success program for first-year students of color.

In a letter of support, one ISU administrator wrote, “Jazmin is someone I admire for her strong soul and heart, and for her passion to continue to do what is right for the community, even though she is going through her own struggles.”

For more information about BOLD, read a recent article from the college alumni magazine. For more information about the Carrie Chapman-Catt Center for Women and Politics, visit their website.