Ryokichi Yatabe Award 

This award recognizes an alum who has made an ongoing commitment to the university through their engagement and advocacy for campus diversity and their active contributions to the betterment of our greater communities as an agent of social change. 

2026 Winner - Cate Thompson - Click here to learn why Cate Thompson was nominated and won this year

Estevan Fuertes Award 

This award recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated their commitment to the development of OADI scholar-leaders in any of our programs and who serves as an advocate for students, particularly in regard to social justice and diversity-related issues. This individual’s dedication to student achievement cultivates curiosity that spurs action, lifelong learning, and development, which ultimately supports OADI’s mission and enriches the overall campus community. 

Ronald E. McNair Award 

This award recognizes a current McNair Faculty Mentor who exemplifies the best attributes of Dr. Ronald E. McNair, the program’s namesake: supportive, determined, motivated. The ideal nominee actively supports one or more scholars through regularly held meetings, professional development opportunities (e.g. presenting at conferences, working towards publications), and guidance on the research and graduate school process. Within their research setting, this Faculty Mentor cultivates a collaborative, welcoming environment where students can view themselves as contributors. This Faculty Mentor exceeds expectations in their support role through intentional conversations regarding academia and serving as a sounding board for future aspirations. They are wholly committed to the overall success of their students, not only on campus but also in pursuance of graduate studies. 
GSMU Mentor or OADI Graduate Assistant 

Toni Morrison Award

This award recognizes a GSMU Mentor or OADI Graduate Assistant who has made an outstanding contribution to their mentees/OADI, to their academic department, and to the university community. This individual has promoted diversity, scholarship, and professional development. Importantly, they are successfully pursuing their own educational goals while supporting the development and success of undergraduate students who are traditionally underrepresented and/or underserved in higher education.  

Tomás Bautista Mapúa Award 

This award recognizes an administrator or professional staff member who has demonstrated their commitment to the development of OADI scholar-leaders in any of our programs and who serves as an advocate for students across the university, particularly regarding social justice and diversity-related issues. This individual has sought to address the needs and concerns of underrepresented and underserved students in higher education, which ultimately supports OADI’s mission, and is focused on and enriches the overall campus community. 

Club Brasileiro Award

This award recognizes a registered undergraduate student organization that consistently makes the effort to achieve their organization's goals specifically as they relate to OADI’s mission. Its executive officers model leadership, organizational ethics/responsibility, professional development, and advocacy for their organization members and for their peers across campus. This organization shows exemplary commitment to diversity and to building the University community, and it provides underrepresented students with an additional source of support. This organization also serves as a strong model for any group working with and serving undergraduate students who are traditionally underrepresented and/or underserved. 

George Washington Fields Award

 This award recognizes a Pre-Professional Programs (P3) student who has made an exemplary commitment to developing themselves for post-graduate success through internships, research and/or professional learning opportunities. Through their example, this individual also motivates other students to commit themselves to their professional development and academic excellence. 

Gloria Joseph Award 
This award is presented to an EOP/HEOP student who serves as a role model to their peers through their scholarship, leadership, and advocacy of the EOP/HEOP programs. 

Jerome “Brud” Holland Award 

This award recognizes a rising senior (student is currently a junior) or graduating senior who exemplifies OADI’s-mission and a deep commitment to diversity, scholarship, leadership, and community engagement. This student’s work illustrates a deep commitment to equity and inclusion, as evidenced through their scholarship, advocacy and/or engagement— actively expanding their knowledge for the betterment of our greater communities. This student is committed to developing themselves and encouraging and/or motivating their peers to seek opportunities for advancement. 

Lt. Caroline Sanford Finley Award 

The Cornell Student Veteran Leadership & Community Award recognizes an undergraduate student veteran who has made an exemplary commitment to engaged leadership inside and outside of the classroom for their fellow student veterans, as well as displaying dedication to charity and altruism to the local veteran community. 

Marvin Jack Award 
This award recognizes a rising sophomore (student is currently a first-year) or rising junior who has encouraged and/or motivated other members of the OADI and campus communities to strive for excellence in scholarship, leadership, and advocacy. 

Solomon Cook Award 
This award recognizes a scholar-leader in the OADI Research Scholars Program or the McNair Scholars Program who has demonstrated active scholarship and leadership inside and outside of the classroom.