The annual honor is given by the UW System to LGBTQ+ people or their allies who have helped to create a safer and more inclusive climate for LGBTQ+ people.

University of Wisconsin-Superior’s Tammy Fanning has been named a recipient of the 2022 Dr. P.B. Poorman Award for Outstanding Achievement on Behalf of LGBTQ+ People. The annual honor is given by the UW System to LGBTQ+ people or their allies who have helped to create a safer and more inclusive climate for LGBTQ+ people. The award celebrates the memory and legacy of Dr. Paula B. Poorman, a highly regarded faculty member at UW-Whitewater dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ people.

“I feel honored to receive the award,” said Fanning, associate dean of students and Title IX coordinator at UW-Superior. “It has been a humbling experience to receive it. During the reception in Madison, we heard from P.B.’s partner about her life and why the award was established. I am so grateful for individuals like P.B. who have advocated for themselves and have helped advance LGBTQ topics for themselves and others in their similar shoes.  I too have always had a passion for equity and justice and have dedicated much of my time at UW-Superior to learn about these issues and to advocate for equity and respect.”

This year marks the 14th anniversary of the founding of the Dr. P.B. Poorman Award. The recipients of the award were honored on November 10, in Madison during a ceremony hosted by UW System. The awards ceremony and reception were held in conjunction with UW System’s presentation of the Outstanding Women of Color in Education Awards.

UW institutions submit nominations for the awards, which highlight each recipient’s contributions to advocacy, activism or scholarship that enhance the experiences of, and improve the climate for, LGBTQ+ people. Sixty LGBTQ+ people and their allies have received the award since it was established in 2008.

“Honorees are helping build a better experience for our students, faculty and staff,” said UW System President Jay Rothman. “This award recognizes their achievements in creating a safer and inclusive climate at our universities.”