Applications are now open to apply for the James A. Perkins Prize for Interracial and Intercultural Peace and Harmony. The Perkins Prize is awarded to the program or organization making the most significant contribution to furthering the ideal of the university community while respecting the values of racial and cultural diversity.  A Cornell student, faculty, or staff member receives the Prize in which case the program or organization they represent benefits. The $5,000 prize award goes to further support activities that promote interracial and intercultural respect, understanding, peace, and harmony on campus. We invite nomination applications from Cornell students, faculty, and staff.   

The Perkins Prize was established by Trustee Emeritus Thomas W. Jones, class of 1969, to recognize James A. Perkins. Perkins was Cornell's president during the 1969 Willard Straight Occupation of which Jones was a participant.  

Student & Campus Life (SCL) is seeking nominations for four special Diversity and Inclusion awards – the Quiet Influence award, two Student Organization of the Year awards, to be awarded to an undergraduate and a graduate or professional organization, and the Transformational Leadership Award.  All awards will honor students and or student organizations who have notably played a role in uplifting SCL’s diversity and inclusion values. 

Please visit https://scl.cornell.edu/about-scl/awards-funding/perkins-prize-and-scl-awards to review award criteria and to complete the nomination application. Applications are due March 31. 

The awards ceremony will take place virtually on Thursday, May 6, 2021.  For more information, please email, perkins@cornell.edu.