Presented annually by the School of Liberal Arts to a distinguished Tulane alumna or alumnus who has achieved distinction professionally, artistically and/or in making positive social change, this award aims to recognize alumni who can inspire new graduates and demonstrate the benefits of a liberal arts education. This honor was established by the Office of the Dean in 2021 and is awarded during the School of Liberal Arts’ graduation ceremony at the close of each academic year.
In 2021 we honored science fiction and fantasy writer N.K. Jemisin (’94) with the inaugural School of Liberal Arts Distinguished Alumni Award, in recognition of her attention to so many of the key issues of our time—from environmental crisis to resistance to structures of oppression—that echo throughout her speculative fiction epics.