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Office of University Engagement and Enrichment
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Presidential Awards for Inclusive Excellence

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The Presidential Awards for Inclusive Excellence honor faculty, staff, students, alumni, trustees, and community members and organizations whose accomplishments cultivate a profound sense of belonging for all.

Recognized each spring, the recipients of the awards embody transformative change where University and community members can learn, thrive, and build communities ever better.

Award categories and eligibility

Advocacy and Action Award

Recognizes staff, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty who exemplify excellence in developing and sustaining a culture of belonging.

Inclusive Workforce Award

Recognizes departments, offices, programs, and teams that aim to enhance a culture and climate of belonging among faculty, staff, and/or students.

Changemaker Award

Recognizes students—undergraduate, graduate, or postdoctoral fellow—and student organizations who aim to cultivate transformative change at the University of Rochester.

Bridge to Equity Award

Recognizes members from a bargaining group who lead actions that eliminate barriers for others in the University community.

Social Impact Award

Recognizes a community organization or member from the Greater Rochester community who strives for meaningful social change.

2025 winners

  • Anika Simone Johnson, Advocacy and Action Award
  • Department of Black Studies, Inclusive Workforce Award
  • Meliora Educational Pathway Program, Changemaker Award
  • Arleata Robin White, Bridge to Equity Award
  • Rochester Deaf Kitchen, Social Impact Award
  • Curtis Johnson ’88, Distinguished Trustee Award
  • Noah Pizmony-Levy Drezer ’00, Distinguished Alumni Award

Reach out to learn more

If you have questions about these awards or would like more information, we encourage you to reach out to us. We’re here to help!

Contact our office