Lee Parker, a University of Wisconsin-Superior graduate who was active in the Twin Ports community for many years, is receiving the 2012 Community Diversity Award from UW-Superior's Office of Multicultural Affairs.

The Community Diversity Award is given annually to an outstanding person of color who has made a significant difference in the lives of persons of color in the Twin Ports. The award will be presented Friday, May 18, at a university reception for graduating students of color.

Parker graduated from UW-Superior in 1998 with a major in social work. He immediately put his skills and knowledge to work as a program coordinator at the Boys and Girls Club of Superior.

"It was the most rewarding job of my life and really solidified my passion for working with young people," he said.

Parker joined the UW-Superior staff in 1999 as an admissions counselor and academic advisor. He became assistant director of admissions in 2006 and held that position until leaving in early 2012 to join the staff of Metropolitan State University in the Twin Cities. 

Parker has been an active member of the NAACP Duluth Chapter for many years and worked to better race relations in the Duluth-Superior area. He served as a mentor, activist and role model for young African American men in his role as member of the Duluth African American Men's Group. 

At UW-Superior, he met with people of all ages, races, genders and abilities when they toured the university. He also worked on programs such as CyberSummer, the College Student for a Day Program, Upward Bound, Black Student Union, Hispanic/Latino Club, Social Work Student Association, World Student Association, and the Student Ambassadors.

He remains connected with UW-Superior alumni of color as he joins them for regular events throughout the year.