This annual award honors the legacy of John P. McMeel. This award aims to advance, educate, and celebrate diverse voices through media and the arts focusing on critical issues related to DEI and social justice.

Award

Two awards in the amount of $5,000 will be awarded annually by Andrews McMeel Universal to sponsor a Rockhurst undergraduate or graduate student's communication, multi-media, or art project. Applicants must have a faculty member collaborating as a partner on this project.

The Project Purpose

• Should increase awareness and understanding of critical equity, inclusion, social justice, and diversity issues.
• Should be an innovative project to advance diverse voices through media, communication, or the arts.
• Should have a broad reach and resonance within and beyond the Rockhurst community.

Fundamental elements of a project might include:

• Increase understanding of essentials related to social justice, diversity, sense of belonging, equity, inclusion, engagement, bias, and fostering inclusive climates.
• Foster an appreciation for developing a holistic view of the world in students and assist higher education faculty and leaders in seeing themselves and their students as part of a larger global community.
• Tackle topics like stereotyping, unconscious bias, microaggression, privilege, social justice, racial inequities, and social cohesion.
• Offer an innovative look at opening doors and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
• Support gender identity and expression.
• Bridge the age gap (generational diversity and ageism).

Evaluation Criteria

• How effectively does this work enhance learning, understanding, and education on critical issues related to DEI and social justice?
• What is the potential impact (reach and resonance) on the University's internal and external constituents and the community?
• How is the project innovative?
• How will the project advance underrepresented voices?

Application

• Applications are accepted online and are due March 4, 2024
• The application must include a faculty mentor, a three-page project proposal, and a budget outline.

Selection

• The selection committee consists of one member from the McMeel family, one staff member from Andrews McMeel Universal and Rockhurst faculty and staff.
• The selection committee will choose the top three applications to make a formal presentation to the committee. Date and time TBD.
• The winning application will be announced at the Festival of Student Achievement in April 2024.

Final Project Presentation

The final project will be presented at the Festival of Student Achievement in May 2025.

Questions? Please contact Bebe Harrington at 816-501-4537.