July 18, 2023
As OMA&D enters its 55th year of existence, we are adding a new recognition award to next year’s Celebration event! The Spark Award will formally acknowledge another community member whose diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) leadership inspires young changemakers and exemplifies the spirit of the Charles E. Odegaard award. It will recognize the accomplishments of a recent UW graduate, who made significant DEI contributions during their time as a University of Washington student and continues to do so post-graduation.
The idea for this award came about during a meeting I had with Regent Tamaki, his daughter Briana Tamaki, Larry Gossett, and Emile Pitre. During our discussion, I was thoroughly impressed with Briana’s presence, engagement, and advocacy. Reflecting on her efficacy led me to think about all the amazing students and recent graduates I know who have done so much to change our campus for the better and are making a difference in their communities and across the country. Briana and I later met, and she agreed to help me draft the proposal that was then presented to the Friends of the Educational Opportunity Program (FEOP) Board which created this new Award.
Nominations may be submitted by anyone, and the criteria can be found on the Spark Award web page. I look forward to receiving your nominations and we look forward to recognizing the inaugural Spark Award recipient on May 15, 2024, at our next annual OMA&D Celebration event. Please share this announcement and call for nominations in your networks.
Timeline
July 14, 2023 – Open call for nominations
September 15, 2023 – Deadline for nominations
November 1, 2023 – Recipient selected
May 15, 2024 – Inaugural recipient recognized at Celebration 2024
In community,
Rickey Hall
VP for OMA&D
University Diversity Officer