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Nomination Deadline: July 31, 2007

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About the Award

In 2005 the Infinite Possibilities Conference Steering Committee, along with the Spelman College Mathematics Department and the Falconer Family, established the Etta Z. Falconer Award for Mentoring and Commitment to Diversity to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a professional commitment to mentoring and increasing diversity in the sciences, and in particular the mathematical sciences. 

Dr. Etta Z. Falconer (1933-2002), former Associate Provost for Science Programs and Policy and Fuller E. Callaway Professor of Mathematics at Spelman College, was widely known for her efforts towards increasing diversity in the sciences. Through her involvement in the creation of the NASA Women in Science Program and the Spelman College Honors Program, and as founder of the National Association of Mathematicians, Dr. Falconer spent her life demonstrating a commitment to mentoring women and traditionally underrepresented minorities and increasing their access to and participation in the sciences and the mathematical sciences.  In response to receiving the 1995 Louise Hay Award for Contributions to Mathematics Education from the Association for Women in Mathematics, Dr. Falconer said, “ I have devoted my entire life to increasing the number of highly qualified African Americans in mathematics and mathematics-related careers. High expectations, the building of self-confidence, and the creation of a nurturing environment have been essential components for the success of these students.”

Key Criteria

• Individual has demonstrated a strong commitment to increasing the number of women and/or underrepresented minorities in the sciences, and in particular the mathematical sciences.
• Individual has served as a mentor to women and/or underrepresented minorities in the sciences, particularly the mathematical sciences.

Additional Criteria

• Individual has helped to increase the number of women and/or underrepresented minorities pursuing baccalaureate and/or advanced degrees in the sciences, particularly the mathematical sciences.

• Individual has helped to increase the number of women and/or underrepresented minorities pursuing careers in the sciences, particularly the mathematical sciences.

The criteria can be demonstrated by, but not limited to:

• developing new programs that support diversity at any stages of the educational and professional pipeline;
• preparing students to publish and present their work;
• the number of students mentored
• helping students to secure financial aid;
• offering career guidance;
• providing support and resources needed for professional life;
• an ongoing interest in a student's personal and professional growth

The award recipient receives a monetary prize; a commemorative award; complimentary registration, travel, and hotel expenses to attend the 2007 Infinite Possibilities Conference; and two additional banquet tickets for guests. 

The nomination should include

Name, position, institution, professional address, phone, fax, and e-mail address of the nominee and the nominator;

• a 1- to 2-page statement on how the individual meets award criteria;
• a full curriculum vita of the nominee including a list of all official honors and awards;
• 3 letters of recommendations that address how the individual meets award criteria, with at least one from an individual who has been encouraged or mentored by the nominee.

All materials become the property of the Infinite Possibilities Conference

Submission Guidelines

All materials must be received by July 31, 2007.

• Please submit all information electronically to banquet@ipcmath.org. PDF files, Word documents, and plain text files are acceptable.  In the subject line, write Falconer Award Nominee [Last Name of Nominee]. 
• You can nominate yourself or nominate another individual.
• Recommendations must be received directly from the recommenders.
• The award will be formally announced during the 2007 Infinite Possibilities Conference at the Etta Z. Falconer Banquet on November 3, 2007, in Raleigh, North Carolina.  The award recipient is expected to attend the banquet.
• This award is open to all regardless of nationality, citizenship, or gender.