Athena - Promoting an Inclusive and Equitable Climate for Women

Athena Student Excellence Award

The Athena Student Excellence Award aims to support and recognize students at the University of Idaho. The selection is particularly interested in recognizing diverse and underrepresented individuals. Through this award, Athena also intends to recognize and develop individuals who promote access, inclusion and advancement of women through their course of study or co-curricular activities.

Submit a Nomination

Nominations are sought from the U of I community. Self-nominations are also accepted.
Each submission must include:
- A narrative demonstrating how the nominee meets or exceeds the award criteria (500 word maximum).
- The nominator can add an optional letter of recommendation from another U of I faculty or staff member.
Self-nominees must submit:
- A narrative demonstrating how they meet or exceed the award criteria (500 word maximum); and
- A letter of recommendation from a U of I faculty or staff member.
The nomination period is now closed.

Selection Criteria

Commitment to promoting access, inclusion, and the advancement of women through their course of study and/or co-curricular activities;
Efforts to advance women personally, professionally, and/or academically; and
Other exceptional qualifications of service in gender equality.

The nominating individual is encouraged to explain how this award could help further the nominee's efforts.

Eligibility

Any current University of Idaho degree-seeking student is eligible for nomination.

Award Details

The award amount will be determined annually and distributed by the U of I Foundation.

Award Ceremony

The recipient will be awarded during the annual Woman of the Year Awards Ceremony and Reception from 5-6:45 p.m. on Monday, April 22 in the IRIC Atrium.

RSVP by 5 p.m on Thursday, April 18 using the Qualtrics form.

2024 Recipient

Madelynn Gregoire

MS Candidate, Civil Engineering

Madelynn's unwavering commitment to promoting access, inclusion and the advancement of women within the realm of engineering and STEM education is truly exceptional. Her dedication to advancing women in STEM fields is evident in her leadership, collaborative spirit and program development. During her time on the U of I Chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) leadership team, Madelynn played a pivotal role in creating a supportive and empowering environment for female students pursuing engineering degrees. Under her leadership, the chapter has thrived, providing valuable resources, networking opportunities and mentorship programs to its members. Madelynn served as a College of Engineering Ambassador where she engaged and inspired K12 kids to learn about STEM through hands-on activities state-wide. This year, she continued her efforts by volunteering as a small group leader for Women in Engineering Day, where she inspired over 120 girls from fifth to twelfth grades in Northern and Central Idaho to pursue and persist in STEM education.

Madelynn Gregoire

Past Winners