UAA is proud to announce that recommendations and nominations are now open for this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Awards. Formerly known as the MLK Student Appreciation event, this initiative has been reimagined to celebrate the profound impact UAA students have made both on campus and in their communities. Submission deadline is January 15, 2025 at 5:00pm.

These awards honor students who embody the leadership and vision of Dr. King. through their unwavering commitment to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This year, there are two ways to honor students:

• Recommendations: Recommend students for one of four categories. Recommendations function as in previous years, but this year, you can use one of the four categories to help students better understand the impact they are making. All recommended students will be invited to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Awards reception and will receive a certificate featuring your recommendation. Only UAA employees can make recommendations.

• Submit a student recommedation

  This year’s awards feature four categories and a special scholarship award, each recognizing exemplary student contributions:

  UAA employees are encouraged to recommend students whose actions and achievements align with the legacy of Dr. King in one or more of the following categories:

  • Scholarship: Dr. King’s lifelong commitment to education underscores the importance of learning as a transformative tool for justice. This category recognizes students whose academic contributions demonstrate excellence and a commitment to advancing knowledge and understanding.
  • Inspiration: Dr. King inspired generations to work toward equality and justice. This category celebrates students who uplift, empower, and inspire others to pursue these same ideals through their mentorship, leadership, and vision.
  • Community Building: Dr. King dedicated his life to creating inclusive communities. This category honors students who foster belonging and inclusivity through their leadership, programming, or initiatives that strengthen the UAA community.
  • Advocacy: Dr. King advocated for institutional and systemic change in the fight for justice. This category recognizes students who are passionate advocates, driving meaningful change and standing up for equity and social justice.
    
    

  Submit a student recommedation

   

• Nominations for the Dr. Martin Lurther King, Jr. Legacy Award (Community Building & Organizing): New this year is the nomination process for a $500 award, which will be selected from submissions for individual students and student organizations. UAA employees and students can nominate students and student organizations that are making an impact in Community Building & Organizing.

• Submit a student nomination

  New this year, the Community Building & Organizing Scholarship Award highlights students who exemplify exceptional commitment to fostering inclusive communities and driving impactful change through organizing efforts.

  Details:

  • Award Amount: $500
  • Eligibility: Individual students and registered student organizations
  • Selection Process: One student and one registered student organization will be selected by a review committee based on nomination materials.
  • Who Can Nominate: UAA employees and students
  • Deadline: January 15, 2025
  • Self-Nominations: Encouraged

  Let’s honor the students who carry forward Dr. King’s legacy of hope, justice, and transformative change.

  Submit a student nomination