Happy 10th anniversary to the Black Scholar Awards program. The annual spring awards were created to honor students of color for their outstanding contributions in leadership, community involvement, academic achievement, and athletic achievement.

“It’s not easy for students of color to attend a predominantly white school,” explains Donald Cunnigen, associate professor of sociology, and one of the founders of the program. “The awards provide a way for black faculty members to recognize the hard work and accomplishments of graduating seniors.”

A tip of the hat to this year’s award recipients: Front from left, Frantz Medina, recipient of the Coachman Award; Jolene Octavius, a Hamilton Scholar; Lucelene Almeida, recipient of the Brady Award; Jenell Yates, recipient of the Gould Award; Ruth Laurent, a Hamilton Scholar; and Amber Wells, recipient of the Benson Award. Back from left, Emily Bibb, recipient of the Edmonds Award, Sharon Isom, recipient of the Hardge Award; Darrell Harris, recipient of the Jackie Robinson Award; Chris Washington, recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Award and the Estes Benson Award; Laejon Brooks, recipient of the Robinson Award; and James Smart, recipient of the Estes Benson Award. Missing from the photo are Kristie Correia, recipient of the Sojourner Truth Award; and Iziarh Roberts, recipient of the Harvey Robert Turner Award.