Alfred University’s Beth Robinson Judson Leadership Center continues to accept nominations for the 2026 Alpha Kappa Omicron Leadership Awards. The deadline for submitting applications for this year’s awards is Wednesday, Feb. 28.
Each year, two students receive these awards, which are generously endowed by the Alpha Kappa Omicron sisterhood of Alfred University. AKO was an Alfred University sorority established in 1944 as interfaith and interracial, with the ideals of truth understanding and sisterhood in equity. The AKO Achievement Award and AKO Social Change Leadership Award have been created to carry on their legacy.
Award eligibility is based on time at the University, not just by credit (i.e., a first-year student with enough credits to be listed as a sophomore cannot apply.) The descriptions and criteria of each award are as follows:
AKO Achievement Award – Honors a sophomore (second-year student) who has demonstrated excellent personal academic leadership. This award comes with a $250 honorarium. To be eligible for this award the student must be:
- Sophomore earned status (non-transfer student)
- 3.25 or higher GPA
- Be involved in at least one organization or club that is related to academics
AKO Social Change Leadership Award – Honors a junior (third-year student) who has demonstrated a commitment to change-for-the-good leadership and embodies the values of integrity, collaboration, civility, common purpose, and citizenship. This award comes with a $500 honorarium. To be eligible for this award students must be:
- Junior earned status
- 3.0 or higher GPA
- Demonstrated leadership in a student club or an organization that is service-related
Natalie Danquah, a junior biology major from Ghana, with minors in chemistry and biomaterials engineering, and Nkanyi Dlamini, a junior philosophy-theatre double major from Johannesburg, South Africa, were recipients, respectively, of the 2025 AKO Achievement Award and AKO Social Change Leadership Award. Both expressed appreciation to the AKO sisters for supporting the awards and spoke of the importance of on-campus leadership initiatives such as those offered through the Judson Leadership Center.
“I am very grateful to the Alpha Kappa Omicron Sisterhood and the alumni whose generosity made this leadership award possible,” said Natalie, who learned about the AKO awards through her participation in the Women’s Leadership Academy. She said that last summer she met with AKO sisters and learned about their leadership journeys, professional paths, and life experiences. “Engaging with these wonderful women reinforced my belief that mentorship, shared experiences, and community are very important in women’s leadership.”
Natalie is currently working on an engagement and reflection project in her Physiology of Aging class taught by Jennifer Gordon, assistant professor of anatomy and physiology, designed to foster meaningful connections between Alfred University students and local senior citizens in the town. She is also conducting microbiology research focused on bacteria related to dental health, which aligns with her future career path.
“Leadership is not just about guiding people toward a common goal, but rather, about creating supportive spaces where others feel empowered to grow and lead with confidence,” Natalie said. “This (AKO Award) recognition continues to motivate me as I move forward in both my academic and leadership journey.”
“To me, the Judson Leadership Center is a home, an amplifier of voices, and a mirror that gives back power. It allowed me to authentically show up without judgment in a safe space,” Nkanyiso said. “It showed me just how much I matter as a Black woman navigating the world by not shying away from complex conversations. It taught me how to listen to others, and it empowered me through the capstone project.”
As a leader and advocate for global perspectives, Nkanyi served as president of the International Students Association, fostering inclusivity and cultural exchange on campus. Her commitment to service and excellence led her to a role as a servitor leader in the Honors Society, where she organized volunteer initiatives within the community. In 2024, Nkanyi joined the Women's Leadership Academy, furthering her dedication to empowering women and all those around her while developing her leadership skills. Her capstone project inspired dialogue surrounding women’s healthcare on campus and in the community.
“I want to thank the Alpha Kappa Omicron Sisterhood for awarding me the Social Change Award and for creating a legacy that supports new possibilities for students,” Nkanyi commented. “It is because of them that I will continue my work in advocacy.”
To nominate a student, please send their full name to Abby Hurley, coordinator of the Beth Robinson Judson Leadership Center, at [email protected] along with a brief statement regarding why you wish to nominate this student. Please be sure to specify which award you are nominating them for. Nominations will be accepted until February 28, 2026. Questions about the awards should be directed to Abby Hurley at [email protected].
