Ron LaFrance Leadership Award

First called the 'AIP Founder's Award for Leadership', the Ron LaFrance Leadership Award recognizes an Indigenous undergraduate who displays leadership, persistence, and fortitude in achieving academic goals and serving Indigenous communities. The award honors the memory of Ron LaFrance, Ph.D., a Kanyenâkehá:ka (Mohawk) Leader and the former Director of the American Indian Program (1981-1993). Dr. LaFrance was instrumental in establishing the Akwe:kon Residential Program House in 1991.

David L. Call Award

This award recognizes an Indigenous graduate or professional student who displays outstanding leadership, service, and commitment in pursuit of a graduate or a professional degree. It honors Dean Emeritus David L. Call, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (1978-1995). As dean, he provided tireless and loyal support for Indigenous students in higher education and remains a beloved friend of the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program.

Janine Jamieson-Huff Memorial Award (Formerly NASAC Recognition Award)

Formerly known as the Native American Students at Cornell Recognition Award, in 2021 this award was renamed in honor of the late Janine Jamieson-Huff (Tonawanda Seneca, Hawk Clan) for being an outspoken advocate and activist for Indigenous student rights during her time at Cornell. Her efforts were integral to the establishment of the American Indian Program.

This award recognizes involvement within the undergraduate organization Native American and Indigenous Students at Cornell (NAISAC), that has been above and beyond the call of duty. The criteria for this award includes dedication, initiative, leadership, and organization. In addition to:

• Service to prospective Indigenous students
• Community education and awareness of vital Indigenous issues
• Personal growth of Indigenous students at Cornell

Buffalo Spirit Award

The Buffalo Spirit Award was started in 1995 by the Cornell Council of American Indian Graduate and Professional Students to recognize and honor an individual who has provided outstanding leadership in supporting Native students and the goals of the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program.

American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) Leadership Award

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in AISES, has made a commitment to supporting other students in STEM and has helped to promote professional development and opportunities in the sciences.

Junior Class Merit Award

This award recognizes the two students who have earned the highest Grade Point Averages in the junior class.

First-Year’s Finest Award

First Year’s Finest is an award recognizing the first-year student who has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to the Indigenous community, through volunteer work, service, consistent presence, support for peers, and overall greatest participation in AIISP programming, events, efforts, and activities.

NAISAC Award

This award is presented to a NAISAC member who demonstrates exemplary achievement with regard to promoting the mission of NAISAC. The mission involves:

• Service to prospective Indigenous students
• Community education and awareness of vital Indigenous issues
• Personal growth of Indigenous students at Cornell

Beatrice McCauley Memorial Award

Akwe:kon Leadership Award

The recipient of this award is chosen for exemplary leadership and outstanding commitment to the growth and sustainability of the Akwe:kon community.

Peer Appreciation Award

This award recognizes a resident of Akwe:kon for their contributions to support the development of the Akwe:kon community, both on and off-campus.

Outstanding Resident Award at Akwe:kon

This award recognizes the student who has exhibited leadership in Akwe:kon; encouraged cross-cultural learning, has fostered an inclusive community, and provided support to peer residents.