Henry Ward, director of Intercultural Affairs at Loyola Marymount University, recently received The Barbara Bonney Staff Member of the Year Award.
“I was surprised, moved and humbled when I found out I was the recipient of the award,” said Ward, who received the award on February 27. “My role and responsibilities have evolved over the past 17 years that I’ve worked at LMU, but my love for this work has remained constant.”
Ward is responsible for helping to create an inclusive campus and he possesses a range of expertise including knowledge on issues of power and privilege, race and ethnicity, religious difference, gender and sexual orientation. He is widely respected for his work at LMU, in the larger community and nationally.
“It is inspiring to engage students in critical cultural conversations,” said Ward. “Social justice and interculturalism have always been my passion and the opportunity with work within a community that values diversity and is committed to progressive social action is a blessing. “
Maria Elisa Grandone, director of Ethnic and Intercultural Services, describes Ward as an outstanding Student Affairs professional who is consistent with the LMU tradition and the principles of equity, respect and human dignity. His most recent project was creating the Intercultural Facilitators program. The award-winning program provides students with in-depth training on how to facilitate dialogue with various student groups and leadership workshops.
“Henry is professional, humble and enthusiastic in his work,” said Grandone. “He has touched many people with his sensitivity and genuine love for helping people to become a man for others.’”
In addition to his role at LMU, Ward also works with the deaf community and teaches sign language at a local college. He also volunteers as an interpreter for his church.
The Barbara Bonney Staff Member of the Year Award is presented annually to the staff member of the Westchester Campus who has shown continued excellence in one’s professional area, commitment to the ideals of higher education, leadership and initiative within one’s area or the university as a whole, unique contribution to improving the quality of life at LMU, and public service to the LMU community. The award was first presented to Barbara Bonney back in 1996 and is given annually at the Annual Staff Service Awards Luncheon.
Article originally appeared on lmu.edu.
Pictured above: Henry Ward, right, and Rich Rich Rocheleau, Associate VP for Student Affairs, at the Staff Service Awards Luncheon.