Wangari Maathai Award

Wangari Maathai Award

Category: Graduate – Community Service

Wangari Maathai, was the first African woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize for her work in environmental sustainability.

The aim of the award program is to acknowledge those students who demonstrate a commitment to:

  • individual pursuits promoting expression of Black culture, history, and values.
  • academic excellence and advancement of scholarship.
  • cultivating community through service to improve quality of life for Black people at WashU, in St Louis, and globally.

Category of Award

Graduate – Community Service


Award Criteria

Nominee must be a current graduate student at Washington University in St. Louis who has demonstrated a commitment to public service by improving the lives of others, engaging in civic activities, serving local, national or international communities, and/or demonstrating selflessness and compassion.


Nomination Process

Student can self-nominate or be nominated by Washington University administrators, academic advisors, faculty, staff and students.


Requirements for Nominee

Once nominated, please submit the following documents by Friday, March 29, 2024:

  • Essay, 750 words or less, on community service activities
  • Interview will be scheduled after essay is submitted.