I.D.E.A. Catalyst Awards
IME began a tradition of recognizing CAS students, staff, and faculty for their dedication to the IME’s purpose statement and our goal of building and sustaining a truly inclusive campus community.
I.D.E.A. Catalyst Awards honors and celebrates undergraduate students, staff, and faculty who have demonstrated immense dedication to engaging and leading initiatives toward a more inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible (I.D.E.A.) L&C community. Here in IME, we see a catalyst as someone who enacts change. An I.D.E.A. Catalyst is someone who enacts change by using a more inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible framework and mindset throughout their work and day-to-day. I.D.E.A. Catalyst award recipients are individuals who are involved and have demonstrated their commitment through their daily actions, leadership pursuits, everyday conversations, and values. Recipients have helped foster a sense of belonging and uplift the voice of underrepresented communities. These awards are given to individuals who have helped transform our campus for a better, more socially just future.
To nominate a fellow undergraduate student or staff/faculty, please see the link here. 2024 nominations are due by March 11th at 11:59pm. Recipeints will be announced during IME’s Annual Banquet on April 18th from 5-7pm in Stamm Hall.
2023 Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Award Recipients
Emerging Leader Award presented to Christianah Olufade ’26
This award recognizes a first-year student who has demonstrated leadership, commitment to the Lewis & Clark community, and potential for even further positive impact on campus.
Excellence in Inclusive Engagement Award presented to Azucena Morales Santos ’24
This award is presented to an undergraduate student who strives towards working for a more socially just community at Lewis & Clark. They support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives on campus. Whether this is from a particular leadership role, or as a hidden figure supporting from behind-the-scenes, this student demonstrates a willingness to take action to create an inclusive community.
Ray Warren Leadership Award presented to Sam Flores ’23
The Ray Warren Leadership Award is named after the man who dedicated his career to serving students at this institution. Beginning his work at L&C in Admissions and later becoming Associate Dean of Students and Director of Ethnic Student Services in 1992 (what is now IME), he is revered for being a foundational pillar of support to all students, but of special significance for students of color and historically underrepresented students more broadly. His impact lives on and is of immeasurable value. The Ray Warren Leadership Award is the longest-standing award that IME has presented to students and it is awarded to a graduating senior who possess a spirit of determination, care, open-mindedness, and optimism. They have demonstrated outstanding leadership on campus and a commitment to diversity and multicultural education.
Kristi Williams Staff & Faculty Award presented to Michelle Callahan, director of Health Promotion & Wellness
Kristi Williams was a member of the advising staff whose work touched the lives of an untold number of students over more than 30 years with the college. The Kristi Williams Staff & Faculty Award recognizes staff or faculty members who continue Kristi’s legacy, going above and beyond their roles and responsibilities to work towards IME’s core values by supporting underrepresented students and fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community committed to social justice.