Leaders & Innovators Award

The KU Black Alumni Network (KUBAN) will select and honor two Winter 2024-Summer 2025 graduates with the inaugural L.I.N.C Award for Leadership, Involvement, Networking & Community.


These two students will be chosen based on their capacity for leadership, involvement in the KU community, and their ability to network with a wide variety of students and organizations. The selected recipients of L.I.N.C Award will each receive a KU branded carry-on suitcase, a certificate from the KU Black Alumni Network, and a complimentary one-year KU Alumni Association membership.


All applications will be screened, and finalists will be selected by the KUBAN Leadership Team.

About the Award

The Emerging Leaders Award is aimed at highlighting recent graduates who had a measurable impact on the University of Kansas and are poised to make an impact in their profession and their community.

 

These two students will be chosen based on their capacity for leadership, involvement in the KU community, and their ability to network with a wide variety of students and organizations. The selected recipients of L.I.N.C Award will each receive a KU branded carry-on suitcase and a certificate from the KU Black Alumni Network.

 

All applications will be screened, and finalists will be selected by the KUBAN Leadership Team.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria
  • This award is open to all Jayhawks.
  • Applicants must be a Winter 2025-Summer 2026 graduate:
    • Undergraduates, Masters, Doctorate (EdD, PhD) and JD
    • Degree type (i.e. BA, BGS, MA, MBA, EdD, PhD, JD, etc.)
  • Applicants must have maintained a cumulative GPA equal to or greater than a 3.0.
  • Applicants must submit an application, supply one reference letter and the contact information for the reference, a personal statement, and a résumé or CV.
    • The reference letter must be from a KU faculty, staff, administrator, or Staff Advisor.
  • Applications are due by Wednesday, April 1.
About the Award

The Mike and Joyce Shinn Leaders and Innovators Award acknowledges the contributions of individuals who have made their mark on the University, their profession or society at large. The award, made possible through donations from KU alumnus Mike Shinn, was initiated in 2006 and brought to fruition through the coordinated efforts of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, KU Alumni, the Spencer Research Library and KU Endowment.

 

Nominations are due May 15 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

Application

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Nominator's Information

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Your Name(Required)
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Nominee’s Information

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Supporting Documentation

Max. file size: 1 MB.
A letter of nomination that includes a narrative supporting the nomination, including a discussion of the candidate's contributions and recognitions, areas of leadership/innovation, professional history and achievements, public honors, publications, meritorious service to the local, state, national and/or international communities, distinguished military service or other activities as appropriate.
Max. file size: 1 MB.
Max. file size: 1 MB.
Articles highlighting student engagement, student testimonials, other awards, club sponsorships, etc.

Nominations are due by May 15 at 11:59 p.m. CT. For questions, contact Jordan Counts at jordancounts@kualumni.org.

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