You may choose to nominate one person per submission, but there is no limit to the number of times you may nominate someone. Recipients of the awards will be honored during Lavender Graduation. If your nominee is selected, we may contact you to get more information so that we can celebrate their accomplishments during the ceremony.

The information for the awards is below:

Outstanding Alum Award

This award recognizes a former Jayhawk who has demonstrated dedication to LGBTQIA+ awareness and inclusivity, at KU or in the community where they live and work. This individual displays immense pride in being a Jayhawk and serves as a model for current and future KU alums.

Groundbreaking LGBTQIA+ Research Award

Recognizes groundbreaking or innovative research about or in support of the LGBTQIA+ community. This can be research that is currently in progress, completed, or published. *Being published is not a requirement of this award.

Be You at KU Student of the Year Award

Recognizes one (1) student for outstanding leadership and commitment within the University of Kansas or in the Lawrence community. This student exemplifies the merit and importance of ally ship and solidarity within the KU LGBTQIA+ community. This individual's efforts and service have resulted in new programs, improved resources and/or broadened awareness around the needs and experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. This student serves as a role model to their peers and demonstrates dedication to LGBTQIA+ activism, leadership, advocacy, or education.

Best Program/Initiative Award

This award recognizes a program or initiative that has strengthened awareness, expanded education or improved resources for the LGBTQIA+ community. A program or initiative may be a policy addition, program execution, major decision or other measure which has served the LGBTQIA+ community at The University of Kansas.

The Christopher M. Sowa Outstanding Faculty/Staff Award

Dedicated to Chris Sowa (1979-2016) who expended incredible energy and enthusiasm for the KU LGBTQIA+ community in his role as Assistant Director of KU Student Housing, his membership in the Sexuality and Gender Diversity Faculty/Staff Council, and as a proud and authentic member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Sowa was always wherever you needed him to be if it meant championing for LGBTQIA+ students. The impact he made on all who knew him, and those who will come to know him through the legacy he has left, is unparalleled. The Christopher M. Sowa Faculty/Staff Pride Award recognizes an LGBTQIA+ or Ally faculty/staff member who strives to create a positive climate on campus for LGBTQIA+ individuals. This may be through inclusive curriculum practices, challenging procedures and policies, building awareness around LGBTQIA+ experiences in programming or education efforts, or for going beyond their area of focus to ensure the KU LGBTQIA+ community is offered a brave and inclusive space to be their authentic selves.