MSU students, faculty and staff were recognized Thursday for their efforts to promote and achieve diversity on and off campus.

The annual Excellence in Diversity Recognition and Awards Program gave psychology sophomore Natalie Furrow, kinesiology graduate student Matthew Gerhardt, and telecommunication graduate student Mark Shapleyin the “Excellence in Diversity” award. Student teams also were awarded in the “Excellence in the Community” category. Awards also were given for “Students Making A Difference Through Artistic Expression.”

The MSUCOM Visiting Minority Faculty Program Team in the College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Minority Outreach Recruitment Team in the Office of Admissions and Scholarships and the MSU Extension Floriculture Area of Expertise Team received plaques for “Excellent Progress Toward Achieving Diversity and Pluralism.”

It was an event that showcased students’ dedication and vision, said Paulette Granberry Russell, director of the Office of Affirmative Action, Compliance and Monitoring.

“This is an opportunity to recognize individuals whose work often comes out of a sense of commitment to advancing diversity,” she said. “They are being recognized for their efforts and going above and beyond what they are expected to do.”