Last year we shared news of a university custodian who responded to racist graffiti by leaving kind words and letters of encouragement after cleaning up the hateful rhetoric. Now that worker is being honored for her heartfelt acts.

Keri Courtwright was given one of Syracuse University’s “Unsung Heroes” awards during the university’s Jan. 26 celebration of Martin Luther King Jr., reports Syracuse.com.

The university grants the awards each year to a small group of people it feels honor King’s message through their own actions.

Courtwright tells Syracuse.com that she believes the university can overcome the hate and end up better than ever.