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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.

  • The nomination period is March 6-24. Submit a nomination using the Qualtrics form.
  • 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.

  • 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.

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

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

The recipient will be awarded during the Woman of the Year Awards Reception from 5-6:45 p.m. Monday, April 24 in the IRIC Atrium.

Support the Student Excellence Award

Donate to the Athena Student Award Endowment to help recognize students who promote access, inclusion and advancement of women.

Give to the Student Excellence Award

2022 Recipient

Akorede Seriki

Doctoral Candidate, Department of Biological Sciences

Akorede has demonstrated her commitment to promoting access, inclusion and the advancement of women through her co-curricular activities, including serving as: a board member for the African Students Association and National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE-UI); the Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator for the Randall Women in Science (RWiS); council member for the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA); Graduate Student representative for Ubuntu; GPSA representative for the Title IX Advisory Committee; and student leader of the International Student Support Group. Akorede also won the 2021 MLK Art & Essay Contest in the Graduate writing category for her article addressing equality, social, racial and ethnic justice.

Akorede Seriki
Akorede Seriki

Past Winners

Akorede Seriki, 2022

Alondra Castaneda, 2021

Farjahan Shawon, 2020

Rebecca Witinok-Huber, 2019

Olivia Balemba, 2013

Karie Davidson, 2011
Giselle Veach, 2011

Jodi Frost, 2010
Lorena Vega Tamayo, 2010

Jackoline Livingston, 2008
Jessica Sampson, 2008

Alison English, 2007
Mariangie Ramos, 2007

June Clevy, 2006

Kathryn Dafoe, 2005
Angie Shepard, 2005

Cynthia Barnett, 2003
Tamara Cougar, 2003
Laila Kinnunen, 2003
Kahliela Wright, 2003

Eve Foster, 2002
Jody Swearingen, 2002

Betsy Peters, 2001

Contact Us

Memorial Gym Suite 109

Mailing Address:
875 Perimeter Drive MS 1064
Moscow, ID 83844-1064

Phone: 208-885-2777

Fax: 208-885-6285

Email: wcenter@uidaho.edu

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