Dean's Climate and Diversity Award

The Eberly College of Science Dean's Climate and Diversity Award was created in 2009 to recognize individuals and programs that have displayed extraordinary commitment to enhancing our environment of mutual respect and diversity. With generous support from the Santacroce Family Climate and Diversity Fund in the Eberly College of Science, starting in 2022, individual awardees receive a monetary prize and group awardees receive a monetary reward to support their group's curricular and co-curricular activities. The awards are intended to highlight all members of the college community—including undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, staff members, and faculty members, as well as programs within the college— that have displayed extraordinary commitment to enhancing our environment of mutual respect and diversity. These awards allow us to celebrate the success, leadership, and vision of individuals and programs.

The nomination process is simple and does not require input from the nominee. Complete the online nomination form during the call for nomination dates. The Award Selection Committee will review the nominations and select candidates for the Dean's Climate and Diversity Award supported by the Santacroce Family Climate and Diversity Fund in the Eberly College of Science.

Please read the award criteria before completing the online nomination form.

Online Nomination Form

For full consideration, nominations should be submitted by Monday, December 1, 2025.

2025 Dean's Climate and Diversity Award nomination form.

2025 Dean's Climate and Diversity Award Ceremony

On behalf of the Eberly College of Science Climate and Diversity Committee, you are cordially invited to the annual Dean’s Climate and Diversity Awards Ceremony, supported by the Santacroce Family Climate and Diversity Award Fund, to honor the 2025 nominees and winners .

The ceremony will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6th, in 114 McAllister Building. All are welcome to attend the ceremony, and nominators are especially encouraged to attend. There is no need to RSVP.

Past Award Recipients

2025 Winners will be announced spring 2026

Dean's Climate and Diversity Award Archive

2024 Dean's Climate and Diversity Award

Denise Okafor, Assistant professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Chemistry

Sharon Fong, Change of Campus Liaison and Academic Advisor

Lauren Duenas, Graduate student in Chemistry

Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics Climate and Diversity Committee (winner)

The awardees and nominees were honored at an annual ceremony on Feb. 7, 2025.

Recipients of the Dean's Climate and Diversity Awards

2023 Dean's Climate and Diversity Award

Jackie Bortiatynski - Teaching professor and undergraduate adviser in chemistry and director of the Center for Excellence in Science Education.

Nushrat Hoque - Chemistry graduate student.

Katie Mantz-Weller - Education program specialist.

The awardees and nominees were honored at an annual ceremony on Jan. 26, 2024.

2024 Dean's Climate and Diversity Award group photo.

2022 Dean's Climate and Diversity Award

Faculty Award - Cheryl Keller, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Staff Award - Jennifer Stingelin Keefer, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Group Award - Stephanie Wissel on behalf of the Physics CalBridge Committee

Student Award - Dynisty Wright, Biology

2022 Climate and Diversity Award winners in a line

2021 Dean's Climate and Diversity Award

Danielle Bayletts - Dean's Office

Margaret Gerthoffer - Chemistry

David Hunter - Statistics

2020 Dean's Climate and Diversity Award

John Moses - Prehealth Advising

Sofia Roitman - Biology

Claire Thomas - Biology and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

2020 Climate And Diversity Award Recipients.

2020 Dean's Special Recognition of Service

The 2020 Dean's Special Award

Matthew Ferrari - Professor of Biology and CIDD Director

Melissa Hicks - Director, Instructional Designer, Office of Digital Learning

The Dean's Special Awards were given in recognition of going above and beyond in supporting the College and the University in our response to COVID-19.

2019 Dean's Climate and Diversity Award

Källan Berglund - Physics

Miriam Freedman - Chemistry

Sarah Lonsinger - Chemistry