Oct. 24, 2011
April Wefler
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Anthony Cordova is the man you’ve probably seen in the UC with a huge smile on his face. He’s probably said hi to you or welcomed you without question into the MOSAIC office. He strives for inclusiveness and never turns anyone away.
He is the director of MOSAIC, and he was given the 2011 Freedom Fund Education Award by the Colorado Springs NAACP Branch.
The award was given at a gala at Crowne Plaza Hotel. Members of the NAACP attended, as well as Wade Henderson, president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and the Leadership Conference Education Fund.
According to the Colorado Springs Independent, Henderson is one of the leading voices for civil rights in the nation.
After a speech by Henderson, awards were given to various members of the community, including Cordova’s award.
As stated by Tom Hutton, director of Media Relations and Internal Communication, the Freedom Fund Education Award is an award given to a professor, administrator or university professional who has made significant contributions in promoting excellence, diversity and inclusion in higher education in the Pikes Peak region.
Cordova was honored to receive the award.
“I’ve always enjoyed working with the NAACP,” he said.
Theo Gregory, senior vice-president of El Pomar Foundation, who has worked with Cordova, said, “I started at UCCS in 1993. He was there and very professional. A lot of passion for the University. I was the director of Athletics and he worked with the team that provided me with all the things we needed.”
Gregory noted that Cordova has an interesting life story.
“He went to school, graduated later in life. His accomplishments are all very appreciative.” Gregory added that since Cordova completed school here, UCCS has contributed greatly to his education.
“Students get degrees, better quality of life, opportunity to be competitive in workforce and improve quality of life,” said Gregory.
Cordova has tried to stay connected with the community and tried to reach out to each minority on-campus.
“I target the minority, but I work with other students. Jewish groups, Muslim groups, disabled students, international students. Any population.”
MOSAIC stands for the Multicultural Office for Student Access, Inclusiveness and Community, and Cordova believes that each word in MOSAIC is important.
Cordova said, “Access: I help students get admitted to campus that might not otherwise. Inclusiveness: I try to help people feel connected. Community: I help the student find a place they belong on campus.”
As the Colorado Springs NAACP Branch stated, Cordova is helping to provide equal education for all.