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. 

Cate Thompson Is an alum who has given tirelessly to the OADI community. As a proud COSEP graduate, this alum has been contributing to the OADI community for more than 4 decades. They have served in the roles of advisor, mentor, coach, facilitator, instructor, and program director.  Over the years, they have literally given scholars the jacket off their back to help them get through a tough time and then will invite them in for a conversation to work through how to overcome what is next. They have led with compassion and care and sometimes with a little tough love but have always had the student’s best interest at heart.  As a colleague, they have mentored countless new professionals and been a rock and resource for folks to lean on. They are not someone to shy away from the difficult conversations and will tell you when you need to be told. They have provided us with guidance and support as we have grown into our roles. This year’s outstanding alumni recipient, from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ms. Cate Thompson.

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. 

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. 

These recipients have been steadfast advocates for OADI and its scholars, consistently going above and beyond to ensure their voices, programs, and priorities are represented and championed in Albany and on campus. Through sustained mentorship, policy education, legislative engagement, and unwavering support of both students and staff, they exemplify a deep commitment to social justice, community partnership, and student success. 

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. 

The recipient of the Toni Morrison Award is recognized for his outstanding service as an OADI Graduate Assistant. Over the past three years, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the academic growth and well-being of OADI scholars by mentoring students across all stages of their writing journeys, from first-year seminars to senior theses and graduate school applications. Through his student-centered approach, accessibility, and genuine care, he has empowered scholars to find and confidently express their voices, leaving a lasting and meaningful impact on the OADI community. 

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. 

This recipient was nominated for the Club Brasileiro Award for Outstanding Organization in recognition of its exemplary commitment to advancing equity, community, and student success. Through inclusive social, academic, professional, and service-oriented programming, this organization fosters a strong sense of belonging while supporting underrepresented students across the university and beyond. Its demonstrated growth, collaborative leadership, and impactful outreach embody both its mission and OADI’s vision for inclusive engagement and community impact. 

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. 

This recipient demonstrated exceptional leadership during a period of transition by proactively supporting Cornell’s student veteran community through advocacy, sound judgment, and solution-oriented collaboration, including supporting major events such as the Veterans Graduation Dinner and Winter Formal. His impact extends beyond campus through service with the Cornell Law School Veterans Law Practicum, where his advocacy work with homeless and at-risk veterans reflects integrity, altruism, and a deep commitment to serving others. 

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

This recipient is a graduating senior double majoring in physics and mathematics with a high GPA whose exceptional research record includes five publications, presentations at national conferences, and nearly $50,000 in competitive fellowship funding in gravitational wave and astrophysics research. A first- generation, low-income student and accomplished leader, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to mentorship, outreach, and inclusion through extensive service roles and campus leadership supporting the next generation of scientists. 

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.

This recipient exemplifies professional growth through taking initiative in their academic journey, conducting impactful research at Duke University and participating in a hands-on clinical dermatology experience. Equally dedicated to uplifting others, she mentors peers as an Organic Chemistry Study Group Leader and OUB advisor, making academic and professional opportunities feel attainable for other students. 

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. 

This recipient is a dedicated advocate for EOP/HEOP students, serving as an ambassador, representing the programs at Advocacy Day in Albany, and consistently creating a welcoming, supportive presence within the OADI community. Through mentorship, constant encouragement, and a strong commitment to academic integrity and personal growth, she exemplifies professionalism, care for others, and the very best of EOP/HEOP leadership. 

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. 

This recipient exemplifies outstanding leadership and engagement as a first-year student, having firmly established themselves as a cornerstone of the OADI community through active participation in EOP, P3, OADI Peer Mentors, and major OADI events. With a consistently positive, professional presence and meaningful contributions both within OADI and across campus organizations, they have demonstrated exceptional commitment, reliability, and promise as a future leader. 

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. 

This graduating CALS senior exemplifies OADI’s mission through outstanding scholarship, leadership, and community engagement, integrating equity-driven research as a McNair Scholar and biotechnology major with impactful work alongside institutions such as Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber, and NASA’s DC Space Consortium. Her campus, national, and global advocacy—from leading dozens of Girl Up coalitions to creating initiatives addressing food insecurity, human trafficking, and STEM access—demonstrates a sustained commitment to mentoring others and creating scalable, systems-level change. 

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 pursuing graduate studies. 

Monica Conejo - The inaugural recipient of the Ronald E. McNair Faculty Mentor Award is recognized for her exceptional, sustained mentorship and unwavering advocacy for McNair scholars. Through intentional guidance, holistic support, and a deep commitment to equity, she empowers students to see themselves as producers of knowledge and emerging scholars, particularly those from historically marginalized backgrounds. Her mentorship has been transformative, fostering academic excellence, confidence, and clear pathways to graduate study and beyond.