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Nominations being accepted for Earl B. Higgins Award  The Earl B. Higgins Achievement in Diversity Award was first awarded in April 1996 and has become an annual event at the Medical University.    The award is a tribute to Dr. Earl B. Higgins, former director of affirmative action and minority affairs, who died Aug. 30, 1992.   During his four-year tenure at MUSC, Dr. Higgins was a warrior for recruitment, retention and enrichment programs that increased representation of minority students in all programs at MUSC.   He also worked diligently to recruit minority faculty members and to ensure equal opportunities for all employees.  He served as a mediator in race relations and gender issues. Dr. Higgins seized opportunities to promote a harmonious learning and work environment for all and built bridges between the university and the community it serves.    Until now, the criteria for the award favored individuals at higher administrative levels and/or in larger university departments or units.     The committee adjusted the criteria to make sure that potentially deserving individuals at each and every level of the university and authority would receive equal consideration for their good works in promoting and influencing diversity.   The selection committee is soliciting nominations for individual employees of MUSC who made a significant and positive contribution to diversity on the campus in three of the following areas: Student/employee recruitment, retention, enrichment and/or relations. Improvement/enhancement of diversity through excellence in service to patients, families and visitors. Advancements in areas of diversity, including race relations, gender issues, disabled, aging, and international constituencies. Recognizes and takes initiative to act upon potential opportunities to significantly affect/influence the organization/work environment around diversity. Promotes improvements in the understanding of the benefits of diversity within MUSC and the community. Additional information can be found at http://www.musc.edu/diversity/.     Nomination forms and narratives (limited to no more than three pages), along with two letters of recommendation, must be received in the Office of Diversity by Feb. 24.    The annual ceremony is planned for 5 p.m. April 5 in the Wickliffe House.     Friday, Feb. 24, 2006 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island papers at 849-1778, ext. 201.