(Aug. 5, 2008) Governor Dave Heineman congratulates all those working to promote diversity and understanding in state government. The Governor’s Diversity and Affirmative Action Awards program began in 2001 as a way in which The State Affirmative Action Committee could recognize State employees, departments, divisions, and teams demonstrating leadership in promoting the State’s equal employment opportunity and affirmative action efforts. This year’s winners each represent the continued effort to create and maintain a workforce that is representative of Nebraska, and that is effective both for State employees and the citizens they serve.

This year's recipients include the Special Emphasis Program (SEP) Group within the Nebraska Military Department and Mary Schmidt-Rodriquez.

SEP is honored for their work in identifying barriers to recruitment and advancement of underrepresented groups and providing solutions to those barriers. In addition, the SEP is tasked (outside of their regular work duties) with educating Military Department employees and National Guard members on issues of diversity. The SEP group demonstrates their commitment to diversity both in their special assignment and in their everyday interactions with fellow staff members.'

Mary Schmidt-Rodriquez received an award for implementing the "Bridging the Gap" newsletetter that is used to inform the agency of up-coming equal opportunity information.