2024 Founder’s Celebration Award Information and Nomination

Members of the Butler community are encouraged to complete the online nomination form for the following awards:

  • The Ovid Butler Founder’s Award—this award recognizes and celebrates individuals or organizations who embody Butler University’s values of innovation, excellence, diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Ovid Butler Founder’s Medal award is bestowed upon a community partner (individual or organization) whose work and contributions are at the crossroads of innovation and DEI benefiting Butler University and the broader community.
  • Butler DEI Champion Awards—these awards recognize a Butler University program, person, and practice that is advancing the Butler mission at the crossroads of DEI & innovation. Nominations can be completed for the following:
        • A PERSON who consistently demonstrates a commitment to Butler’s founding mission through their University service to students, faculty, and/or staff.  Their active engagement exemplifies the founding principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion and they are innovative and thoughtful in how they work with others.
        • A PRACTICE that actualizes the Butler mission and is utilized to intentionally uphold the tenants of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This practice, which would include, but is not limited to, process improvements and/or revamping systems or policies that seek to minimize barriers, inequities, or injustices to members of the Butler community.
        • A PROGRAM, such as a special event or initiative (new, improved, or existing), that reflects the tenants of diversity, equity, and inclusion and advances the Butler mission through innovative support or service to minoritized identity groups or provides education about social justice and/or DEI issues.

Nominations for the 2024 Founder’s Celebration awards program will be accepted through Friday, December 8. Members of the Butler community may submit more than one nomination in any category. Recipients will be honored during Founder’s Celebration in February of 2024. Questions about the awards program should be directed to founderscelebration@butler.edu