ALLIANCE — The University of Mount Union recognized Darese Sparkman ’26 and Dr. Tammy Daily, professor of psychology, neuroscience and human development, as its 2025 Jane Weston Chapman Award recipients.

The Jane Weston Chapman Award acknowledges individuals who demonstrate efforts to promote gender equity and advocate for social justice on Mount Union’s campus and in their communities. The award is presented annually as part of the University’s celebration of Women’s History Month.

Sparkman, a history major of Massillon, Ohio received several nominations, with one nominator saying, “As a proud member of SAGE (Sexuality and Gender Equity), Darese actively supports underrepresented groups, particularly women, by organizing and amplifying their voices…He volunteered with the women’s wrestling team, traveling to their matches and coaching them throughout the first semester of the program.”

Daily, a member of the Mount Union faculty since 1993, was honored for her work both in and out of the classroom. One nomination said, "By creating a safe, respectful, and theoretically sound environment in her class, she allows all of her students to learn about gender and sexuality issues that they might otherwise never fully be aware that others are experiencing… She is the faculty sponsor for the Active Minds group on campus which is another social justice advocacy area, and through that can promote a positive environment for women’s participation on campus.”

The recipients were honored at the March 20 keynote and awards following a presentation from speaker Tianna Soto.