Awards & Scholarships

The Isaac L. Jordan Sr. Scholarship

Isaac L. Jordan was both a humanitarian and a visionary. He envisioned a community that celebrated differences and that allowed individuals to develop to their fullest potential. His energies were totally dedicated to creating this kind of world. To honor his vision and his memory, this fund will award two scholarships a year.

One scholarship will go to an incoming first-year student based on a writing contest on a diversity topic. The second scholarship will go to a returning RIT student who has demonstrated an understanding of the concept of diversity through overt contributions in this area.

The recipients of these scholarships will be given community-wide recognition and be invited to become a part of Commission activities and to assist our student community become more involved in promoting pluralism. We will also recognize faculty and staff who have made significant contributions to enhancing pluralism at RIT. The dual focus of this recognition is to reach out across campus and recognize individuals who are carrying on the vision and the work of Isaac L. Jordan Sr.

The most recent student recipients of the Isaac L. Jordan Scholarship are Shamikia Banks and Matthew Danna.

The Isaac L. Jordan Sr. Faculty/Staff Pluralism Award

The Isaac L. Jordan Sr. Faculty/Staff Pluralism Award is a university-wide award program that recognizes faculty and staff members for their significant contributions to enhance diversity at RIT. As RIT's first chair of the President's Commission on Pluralism and Inclusion, Jordan provided outstanding leadership in advancing pluralism at RIT and set an example for others to emulate. This award in his name assures the continuance of his legacy and honors those who carry out his work.

Letters of Nomination should describe the qualities of the individual that you are nominating with a focus on results that demonstrate a consistent commitment to the university's mission regarding pluralism.

Consider a colleague who:

• serves as a positive role model for diversity, pluralism, and inclusiveness
• works with groups outside the department/university to promote diversity, pluralism, and inclusiveness
• takes the initiative to improve individual skills and knowledge of diversity, pluralism, and inclusiveness
• acts as a mentor for others by providing advice regarding diversity, pluralism, and inclusiveness
• shares personal knowledge and skills of diversity, pluralism, and inclusiveness with others
• perform work that brings attention to the issues of diversity, pluralism, and inclusiveness
• serves on university-related committees that promote diversity, pluralism, and inclusiveness

Eligibility - See the Isaac L. Jordan Sr. Pluralism Award policy for details of eligibility. Submit letters of nominations via email, mail, or fax by April 1, 2008 to:

The Scholarship Fund

All contributions to the Isaac Jordan Fund are appreciated and checks should be made out to "Rochester Institute of Technology - Isaac L. Jordan Sr. Fund" and mail to:

A receipt will be sent to the contributor.

Minett Professorship

The Minett professorship has been established to recognize an outstanding individual of minority background to serve on the University faculty for a year teaching, speaking, and writing in their area of expertise. Minett professors serve as role models and examples of quality an excellence for both minority and majority students on the RIT campus. This is one very important way in which RIT supports its commitment to diversity in order to improve the quality of education for all of the students. More...