A Metro professor and former professor have been acknowledged for their significant contributions in the areas of civil rights and service to traditionally disadvantaged communities.

Associate Professor of Sociology Sheldon Steinhauser received a Founders Award at the annual Bernie Valdez Awards luncheon of the Latin American Research and Service Agency (LARASA) on Sep. 24. The Bernie Valdez Awards recognize members of the community who have done outstanding work serving the Latino population in Colorado. Steinhauser received the award both as an original founder of LARASA and as one of the new Founders Club members.

Former Metro State Sociology Professor Rachel Noel received the Anti-Defamation League's Civil Rights Achievement Award on Dec. 10. Noel, for whom Metro's Noel Visiting Distinguished Professorship was created, is the first African-American to be elected to the Denver Public School Board. She is widely credited with launching the city's school integration efforts. James F. Reynolds, who served for many years as Director of the Colorado Civil Rights Division, is the co-recipient.