This awardee is a CC student, alum, current or retired staff or faculty member who fosters and engages in crucial conversations, reaching across differences to find common ground and understanding, and taking bold and courageous actions to create needed change. This award is named for Professor Emerita of English Adrienne Lanier Seward, Packard Professor, Fulbright Scholar, and the first Black woman to be awarded tenure at Colorado College.

Do you know someone who fosters meaningful dialogue where different perspectives are welcomed, shared, and debated, and whose bold actions demonstrate leadership and a willingness to be brave?

This awardee is a CC student, alum, current or retired staff or faculty member who works to solve challenging world issues including those outlined in the UN Sustainable Development goals: poverty; hunger; health and wellbeing; education; gender equality; clean water/sanitation; affordable and clean energy; work and economic growth; industry, innovation, and  infrastructure; reduced inequality; sustainable communities; responsible consumption and production; climate action; the oceans and waterways; life on land; peace, justice, and strong institutions. It is named for Ken Salazar ’77, who as a lawyer, Colorado attorney general, U.S. senator, U.S. secretary of the interior, and U.S. ambassador to Mexico, has dedicated himself to protecting land, water, and people.

Do you know someone who is a responsible and caring steward of the world’s resources, or is driven to make progress on crucial world issues?

This awardee is a CC student, alum, current or retired staff or faculty member who strives to ensure that everyone has fair and equal access to health information, healthcare, a safe environment, and opportunities to be healthier. The award is named for Margaret A. Liu, M.D., DSchc, MDhc, FISV, ’77, known as the “mother of DNA vaccines.” Liu develops new vaccines and technologies and works with international groups to bring vaccines and immunizations to people with limited access to healthcare services, vaccines, treatments, and interventions.

Do you know someone who is committed to fair and equal access to health resources and a healthy environment for all?

This awardee is a CC student, alum, current or retired staff or faculty member who encourages and mentors students to find their potential and pursue it. The award is named for Senior Vice President Mike Edmonds, who served as Dean of Students/Vice President for Student Life for 30 years, collaborating across divisions to ensure students had opportunities to create an outstanding CC experience. As Acting President from 2020-21, he was the college’s first president of color.

Do you know someone who mentors, coaches, affirms, and helps students discover their abilities and pursue their purpose?

This awardee is a CC student, alum, current or retired staff or faculty member who is dedicated to protecting the natural environment and who advocates for environmental justice, one of the most pressing issues of our time. It is named for Professor Emeritus of Physics Val Veirs, who was a founder of the environmental program at CC and who used science to solve environmental problems and direct public policy toward science-based solutions. 

Do you know someone who is driven to solve environmental problems and create a safe and healthy environment where people and the natural world can thrive?