“It Could Have Been Me: A Race Relations Role Model”
Year: 2021
Award Level: Silver
Award Winner(s): University of California, Davis
Award: Circle of Excellence
Category: Writing | Column or Opinion Piece
From the Nominator
In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May wrote a very personal, impactful piece about the challenge of racism in America that ran on the front page of the opinion section in the San Francisco Chronicle. In the piece, he talked about the impacts of racism on himself and his own family, his efforts to promote diversity throughout his career, a call to action for each of us, and a vision of a world where we can all breathe.
From the Judges
Chancellor Gary May does a really nice job of using the platforms at his disposal to amplify an important message and make it real for students and others who are part of his university and the broader community. A strong and timely message.