The American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program (AIISP) Awards
AIISP celebrates and recognizes the participating Indigenous students’ and affiliated faculty accomplishments, dedication, and leadership. Even in these difficult times, your successes, innovation and excellence continue to build this community, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. We continue to be strong and vibrant as a community because of you and your outstanding work. We do not want to miss this opportunity to tell you how inspired and proud we are of what you have achieved in your own intellectual journey, as well as in advancing your leadership potentials and contributing to this learning community in service and aptitude.
We are proud to present the nominees for the awards for academic excellence, as well as community and academic service and leadership. Congratulations to all award and recognition recipients!
Ron LaFrance Memorial Leadership Award
Recognizes a Native American undergraduate who displays leadership, persistence and fortitude in achieving academic goals and serving Native American communities. The award honors the memory of Ron LaFrance, Ph.D., a Mohawk leader and Director of the AIP (1981-1993). Ron was a model and an inspiration to the Native American students at Cornell and around the country in their pursuit of higher education.
Awardee: Della Keahna Warrior ’22
Awardee: Annabel Young ’21
David A. Call Achievement Award
Recognizes a Native American 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 Native American higher education and remains a beloved friend of the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program.
Awardee: Paige Priest ’20
Awardee: Melissa Muse ’21
AIISP Junior Class Merit Leadership Award
Recognizes the male and female students who have earned the highest Grade Point Averages in the junior class.
Awardee: Avinash Patel ’21
Awardee: Annabel Young ’21
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 individuals who have provided outstanding leadership in supporting the students and programs of the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program.
Awardee: Skye Hart ’20
