2026 I.D.E.A. Catalyst Award Nominations

An I.D.E.A. Catalyst Awards! is someone who actively advances positive change by embracing inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible principles in their work and daily interactions. These individuals consistently demonstrate their commitment through meaningful actions, thoughtful leadership, everyday conversations, and values that uplift our community.

We encourage you to recognize and nominate colleagues and students who exemplify these ideals in the award categories listed below. Nomination submissions are due on Monday, March 9th by 11:59pm.

Nomination Form Link.

• The Emerging Leader Honor recognizes a first-year student who has demonstrated a strong commitment to I.D.E.A. values. This student is actively engaged across campus and has stepped into at least one leadership role, showing early promise as a change-maker within the community. To learn more about the Emerging Leader Honor, please click this link here.
• The Excellence in Advocacy Leadership Honor is awarded to an undergraduate student who has shown an exceptional commitment to inclusion and advocacy during their time at L&C. This individual is attentive to who or what may be missing and goes above and beyond to create inclusive spaces for others—whether through launching new initiatives, events, programs, or processes that center diversity, equity, and accessibility. To learn more about the Excellence in Advocacy Leadership Honor, please click this link here.
• The Ray Warren Outstanding Senior Honor is presented to a graduating senior who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and made a meaningful impact on those around them over the past few years. This student exemplifies I.D.E.A. values and shows strong potential to continue creating positive change beyond L&C. To learn more about Ray Warren, please click the link here.
• The Kristi Williams Staff & Faculty Leadership Honor recognizes a staff or faculty member who has shown an outstanding commitment to students—particularly students of color. Through impactful advocacy, mentorship, and campus engagement, this individual has made a lasting contribution to student success and/or institutional policies and practices. To learn more about who Kristi Williams was, please click the link here.

Please help us recognize and celebrate the outstanding I.D.E.A. Catalysts within our community. We look forward to receiving your nominations!

To learn about our past year’s recipients, please visit our website.