The celebration is set to take place at the end of the Spring semester on
Sunday, May 10th, 2026 at 3 p.m. | Doors Open at 2:30 PM
Lory Student Center Ballrooms
Nominations are open until April 22nd!
We are celebrating 42 years of our Pursuit of Excellence! This program is designed to celebrate and honor the achievements of our Black/African American Cultural Center community—academically, creatively, professionally, and in leadership. The event recognizes not only the accomplishments of our community members but also the organizations that have played a vital role in supporting the success of our Black/African American Cultural Center mission. Everyone is invited to attend and join in celebrating the impact and contributions of those who help our communities thrive!
Community Awards
The Vivian L. Kerr Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award
This award recognizes of an undergraduate student who has demonstrated significant and active involvement in the Black/African American Cultural Center community and has contributed to the betterment of the larger community overall.
The Dr. Dawn Person Outstanding Graduate Student Award
This award recognizes a graduate student who has demonstrated significant involvement and betterment of the Black/African American Cultural Center community.
The Dr. Blanche M. Hughes Distinguished Staff Award
This award recognizes a staff member who has made a notable difference in the lives of Black/African American Cultural Center community members at Colorado State University. Please note: Black /African American Cultural Center Professional staff is not eligible for this award (i.e. John, Jada).
The Bruce E. Smail Collective Award
This award recognizes a student who has made significant contributions to campus-wide unity initiatives that bring people together across similarities and differences.
The Paul Chambers Outstanding Student Organization Award
This award recognizes a registered student organization that demonstrated outstanding community enrichment through exemplary programming, celebration, and education of the African diasporic community at CSU. Please Note: Greek-letter organizations are not applicable. (Please see the Jennifer Williams Molock Outstanding Greek Chapter Award)
Jennifer Williams Molock Outstanding Greek Chapter Award
This award recognizes a Greek-lettered organization’s local chapter who has contributed to community enrichment and African diasporic education through service, programs and academic achievement. The minimum cumulative chapter GPA must be at least 2.5 (as of Fall 2023 grade reports-to be verified by the Office of Greek Life). Please also include the name/address of the alumni chapter primary advisor for verification if necessary. (Only organizations recognized by CSU and consisting of at least one CSU student are eligible for the award).
The Bill Green Outstanding Student-Athlete Award
This award recognizes a student-athlete who has demonstrated outstanding leadership traits and community involvement (please indicate the sports the student is involved in and the name of the head coach for verification). (The award recipients must have been actively involved in John Mosely Student-Athlete Mentoring Program and their cumulative GPA must be at least 2.25).
The Black/African American Cultural Center’s Outstanding Rites of Passage Mentee Award
This award recognizes 2 mentees who demonstrated exceptional involvement in Rites of Passage or B/AACC programming (i.e. retreat, mentor meetings, outings, academic programming, Real Talks, etc.). Only open to Peer Mentors for nomination.
The Black/African American Cultural Center’s Outstanding Rites of Passage Mentor Award
This award recognizes a mentor who demonstrated exceptional involvement in Rites of Passage or B/AACC programming (i.e. retreat, mentor meetings, outings, academic programming, Real Talks, etc.). Only open to Peer ROP Mentees for nomination.
Duan Ruff Entrepreneurship Award
The objective of this award is to recognize undergraduate students engaged in entrepreneurial efforts relating to the arts, social issues, technological development, research, and/or business ownership that operates in the spirit of ujamaa, or cooperative economics. The criterion for this award is an individual that leverages their entrepreneurial endeavors to contribute to the understanding, knowledge or production of African diasporic culture through their goods and/or services.
Ray Black Nkonsonkonson (Academic Partnership) Award
This award recognizes a faculty member who has made a significant impact on the academic and intellectual lives of Black/African American Cultural Center (B/AACC) community members at Colorado State University. Rooted in the Adinkra symbol Nkonsonkonson, which represents unity and interconnectedness, this award honors a faculty member whose scholarship, mentorship, and engagement have strengthened academic pathways for understanding the African diaspora. Recipients of this award demonstrate a commitment to fostering intellectual growth, advancing research that uplifts Black communities, and collaborating with B/AACC to create meaningful learning experiences.