The Leslie K. Bates Medal of Excellence was presented to Jon Hurst, Mariah Domenech and Marvin J. Nunnally during the Multicultural Services and Programs Senior Leader Reception April 25 at the Richard B. Russell Building Special Collections Libraries. The three were honored for their commitment to UGA’s multicultural community.
Hurst joined UGA’s staff in 2012. He currently serves as director of the LGBT Resource Center. A self-professed political junkie and “theater nerd,” Hurst had experience in nonprofit management in HIV/AIDS education, outreach and prevention before coming to UGA. He also served as a campaign staffer for then-U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin.
A champion of social justice education, Hurst has played an instrumental role in the development of the Ignite Social Justice Retreat for students, and Prism, a dialogue group for LGBT students of color.
Domenech is a native of Snellville who will receive her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education in December. She has served as a student graphic designer in Multicultural Services and Programs for two years and has been hailed by co-workers and fellow students for her creativity and strong work ethic. She regularly has made the dean’s list and is a member of the UGA women’s club soccer team.
Nunnally is a Watkinsville native who received his bachelor’s degree in political science from UGA and his Juris Doctor from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. He serves the Athens area through involvement in civic, religious and professional organizations, including leadership positions with the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation, Athens Nurses Clinic, the Youth Academy and the Athens Masonic Association.