About the Award
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. The award will be formally presented during the 2025 Infinite Possibilities Conference at the Etta Z. Falconer Banquet on April 12, 2025, in Chicago, IL. The award recipient receives a monetary prize; a commemorative plaque; complimentary registration, travel, and hotel expenses to attend the 2025 Infinite Possibilities Conference; and two additional banquet tickets for guests.
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.
Eligibility
This award is open to all regardless of nationality, citizenship, race, gender, or any other characteristic protected under law. Nominees must be living at the time of their nomination.
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 Steering Committee.
Submission Guidelines
- All materials must be received by November 1, 2024.
- Please submit all information electronically to . PDF files, Word documents, and plain text files are acceptable. In the subject line, write Falconer Award Nominee [Last Name of Nominee].
- Self-nominations are permitted.
- Recommendations must be received directly from the recommenders.
- The award will be formally announced during the 2025 Infinite Possibilities Conference at the Etta Z. Falconer Banquet on April 12, 2025, in Chicago, IL. The award recipient is expected to attend the banquet.