The Karen Wold Level the Learning Field Award is given by the Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) in memory of Karen Wold who was an access specialist at DRES. Karen spent her career engaging with her students and faculty to find solutions to academic challenges. She wanted to make the learning field more level and accessible to all. 

The purpose of the award is to identify exemplary members of the Illinois faculty and staff to advocate and/or implement educational strategies, technologies and accommodations related to disabilities that provide equal access to academic resources and curricula for students with disabilities. Dr. Christian Ray was nominated for this award because he has been pro-active with his students with disabilities who have taken his chemistry classes. To quote the nomination: "Dr. Ray is one of the most caring and compassionate professors I have worked with. He is welcoming and inviting to all students. He has continuously reached out asking for educational materials on how to best interact with a student who may have a disability and recommends to the student that they use DRES as a resource." Ray will be presented the award during the DRES Awards Program on April 25.