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Celebrating Black Excellence Awards
3rd Annual Black Excellence Dinner
The 2026 4th Annual Black Excellence Dinner is hosted by Notre Dame Student Government in collaboration with the Notre Dame Black Student Association.
Click here to watch the livestream.
Award Directory
Undergraduate Students
Aleah Applin
Aleah Applin has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to leadership and advocacy since her first year at Notre Dame. As President of the Class of 2027 and a member of the Student Senate, she has championed equality and served as a courageous voice across Student Government and the broader campus. Through her dedicated work with the Plunge Black First Year Retreat, she consistently welcomes and empowers new students, embodying the spirit of service and transformative leadership.
Kehinde Oseni
Kehinde Oseni has enriched campus culture through her exceptional contributions to art, creative expression, and community building. As President of both Dance Africa and the Black Cultural Arts Council, she has created vibrant spaces for Black students to showcase their artistic talents and celebrate African heritage. Additionally, her creative graphic design work for events like the Africana Recognition Ceremony and the Black Excellence Dinner has left a lasting visual impact on the University community.
Tim Bobb
Tim Bobb, a dynamic first-year student, has quickly distinguished himself through his passion and active engagement within the Black student community. Serving as the freshman representative for the Black Business Association, he acts as a vital bridge between first-year students and upperclassmen. His early leadership, enthusiasm, and active involvement across campus organizations reflect a strong commitment to advocating for equity and excellence.
Aryana Moreau
Aryana Moreau exemplifies selfless, behind-the-scenes leadership through her dedication to uplifting those around her. Beyond her involvement with the Black Cultural Arts Council and her role as a Senior Fellow in the Gender Relations Center, she fosters community through meaningful dialogue, mentorship, and positivity. Her academic work further reflects her advocacy, featuring thesis research centered on amplifying the Black student experience at Notre Dame.
Graduate Students
Portia Ozioma Chigbu
Portia Ozioma Chigbu, a doctoral student at Notre Dame Law School, is a fearless advocate for justice and human dignity[cite: 1]. Her legal research examines disaster governance and legal frameworks affecting Black and Global South communities. Through her active work with the Kellogg Institute and Global Human Rights Clinic, as well as her leadership on the board of the Black Law Student Association, she serves as a vital mentor to aspiring lawyers while driving meaningful institutional change.
Fr. Emmanuel Ojeifo
Fr. Emmanuel Ojeifo, a Ph.D. candidate in Theology and ordained priest, embodies a profound legacy of mentorship, scholarship, and spiritual leadership. His research focuses on the theology of environmental stewardship, while his dedicated service includes organizing academic conferences and mentoring peers and undergraduates through research and grant applications. His warmth, generosity, and pastoral guidance make him a cornerstone of support within the University community.
Staff
Dr. Doug Thompson
Dr. Doug Thompson, the inaugural Executive Director of the Sister Thea Bowman Center, has made an extraordinary impact on campus culture through his dedication to inclusion and equity. Serving as the advisor for the Black Student Association, he builds meaningful connections across campus through student coffee chats and intentional outreach. His compassionate leadership and grassroots advocacy continue to strengthen the community and foster a deep sense of belonging for all.
Faculty
Dr. Gina Shropshire
Dr. Gina Shropshire has served the Notre Dame community for nearly three decades as a dedicated advisor, mentor, and advocate. Throughout her tenure, including roles in academic advising and as Assistant Director of Diversity, she has guided thousands of students toward academic and personal success. Her leadership extends to numerous advisory boards, including serving as Vice-Chair of the Black Alumni of Notre Dame, where her enduring support continues to shape generations of Black scholars and alumni.
Click here to view the 2025 event photos.
Undergraduate Students
Isaiah Hall
Isaiah Hall, a double major in Africana Studies and Film, Television, and Theatre, has used his creativity to amplify Black voices at Notre Dame. As the host of Black@ND, he has sparked critical conversations on race and belonging, while also serving as vice president of Wabruda. His work in research and media production continues to create spaces for underrepresented stories, making a lasting impact on campus culture.
Frances Ubogu
Frances Ubogu, a dedicated student leader, has made an indelible mark on the Black community at Notre Dame. As president of Shades of Ebony and Dance Africa, she has led initiatives celebrating Black culture and identity while excelling academically. Accepted into top medical schools, she remains committed to using her education to serve the Black community, embodying both excellence and servant leadership.
Graduate Students
Fr. Kenneth Amadi
Fr. Kenneth Amadi, a Ph.D. candidate in theology, has made a profound impact on faith and cultural advocacy at Notre Dame. His research on African Catholic rituals has earned him international recognition, and he has played a key role in mentoring students through initiatives like the Africa Graduate Club. As the founder of Church Life Africa, he has worked to expand theological education and leadership development, reinforcing his commitment to uplifting the Black community.
Staff
Tiffany Russell
Tiffany Russell, a leader in mental health advocacy, has transformed support systems for Black students at Notre Dame. As one of the few Black mental health specialists on campus, she has led therapy circles and wellness initiatives addressing trauma and isolation. In her role as President of the Black Faculty & Staff Association, she has fostered a sense of belonging, ensuring that Black students, faculty, and staff feel seen, valued, and supported.
Shamar Cousin
Shamar Cousin, a dedicated admissions leader, has worked tirelessly to expand access to Notre Dame for underrepresented students. Through recruitment efforts across the U.S., Africa, and the Middle East, he has helped increase applications from historically overlooked regions by over 200%. A first-generation college graduate, he continues to serve as an advocate for diversity and inclusion, ensuring that students of all backgrounds find a place at Notre Dame.
Faculty
Dr. Claire Scott-Bacon
Claire Scott-Bacon, a distinguished forensic psychologist, made history at Notre Dame by founding the university’s first Psychology and Law group while advocating for at-risk youth in the juvenile justice system. A passionate mentor, she provided crucial support to students during times of crisis, fostering a culture of resilience and social justice. After earning her Ph.D. at 60, she now serves as a full-time clinical psychologist, continuing her commitment to advocacy and mentorship.
Dr. Nyree McDonald
Nyree McDonald, a champion for diversity in graduate education, has played a crucial role in increasing opportunities for underrepresented students at Notre Dame. Under her leadership, students have secured prestigious awards, including NSF Graduate Research Fellowships and Fulbright Scholarships. Her dedication to mentorship and inclusion has led to record-breaking graduate applications, solidifying her impact on shaping a more diverse academic community.
Dr. Gabe Burks
Gabe Burks, an early-career faculty member in engineering, is recognized for his cutting-edge research in soft matter and automated material synthesis. Beyond his academic contributions, he is a devoted mentor who has been instrumental in creating a more inclusive environment for Black students in STEM. His leadership extends beyond campus through his involvement in South Bend’s Beloved Community initiative, making a lasting impact on students and the broader community.
Undergraduate Students
Kayla Seepersad
Recognized for her leadership and academic excellence, Kayla Seepersad was a senior from Queens majoring in Finance and English with a minor in Education, Schooling, and Society. She served as the president of the Black Business Association of Notre Dame and was a senior Fellow for the Transformational Leaders Program. A QuestBridge scholar and teaching assistant, Kayla also contributed as a board member for the Black Student Association and an ambassador for Forte, consistently demonstrating her commitment to the Black community.
Bernice Antoine
A dedicated advocate for women empowerment, youth development, and entrepreneurship, Bernice Antoine was a sophomore from Trinidad and Tobago studying Business Analytics and Global Affairs. As an IDEA fellow and De-Risking Insights Analyst, she worked to highlight market gaps affecting Black women. Bernice also played an active role as a board member for the Caribbean Student Association, a FUEL representative for Student Government’s Department of Race and Ethnicity, and was the first director of Student Government’s Department of International Engagement and Outreach.
Graduate Students
Jakim Aaron
Jakim Aaron, a third-year law student at the time of this recognition, made a lasting impact on the Black law student community at Notre Dame. Excelling both academically and professionally, he secured a unique job offer from a nationally recognized company that created a position specifically for him. Beyond his personal success, Jakim established a stipend program for Black students to pursue unpaid public interest positions and played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Black law student community, helping to foster a more inclusive environment at the law school.
Jamya Robinson
As a Sociology PhD student, Jamya Robinson dedicated her research to examining Black resistance to anti-Blackness. Her work explored how different social movements are perceived and portrayed, highlighting disparities in how the Civil Rights Movement is often taught as respectable while movements like Black Power are downplayed. Through her scholarship, she amplified overlooked figures like Ida B. Wells, ensuring their contributions to Black history and activism were preserved. Jamya also served on the board of the Black Graduate Student Association, demonstrating both academic excellence and community leadership.
Staff
Eve Kelly
A dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Eve Kelly has served Notre Dame in multiple capacities, including roles in the College of Science, Human Resources, and the Office of Institutional Transformation. Her leadership and commitment to fostering an inclusive community have made a lasting impact. With a background in social work and higher education, she has been a proud Posse mentor and a key leader of the DEI Practitioners group. Through her work, Eve continues to inspire and empower women of color across campus.
Pauline Namuleme
Pauline Namuleme made a significant impact on the Notre Dame community through her work with the Initiative on Race and Resilience (IRR). As the first point of contact for visitors, she played a vital role in supporting and coordinating the initiative’s efforts. Despite the challenges of establishing a new DEI-focused unit, Pauline’s dedication, positivity, and energy helped foster a welcoming and supportive environment for students, staff, and faculty.
Faculty
Dr. Anna Haskins
A dedicated scholar and advocate, Dr. Anna Haskins has worked to make the Department of Sociology a more inclusive and supportive environment. Her research explores mass incarceration, system avoidance, racial inequality, and educational outcomes. As the associate director of the Initiative for Race and Resilience, she has been instrumental in advancing racial equality through research, education, and community empowerment.
Fr. Paulinus Odozor
Fr. Paulinus Odozor, a professor in the Theology Department, exemplifies the ideals of service, community, and faith championed by Martin Luther King Jr. As a dedicated mentor and advocate, he has played a vital role in supporting students, particularly through the African Graduate Club, which he helped establish. As the club’s advisor, he has guided events that celebrate African cultures and promote cross-cultural understanding.
Students
Daymine Snow
As a sophomore from New Orleans studying Business Analytics, Daymine Snow made a lasting impact on the Black Notre Dame community. He organized a successful networking event in NYC that connected Black alumni and students, with plans to expand similar initiatives to other major U.S. cities. Through his involvement in various councils and committees, Daymine demonstrated excellence and a strong commitment to community building.
Temitayo Ade-Oshifogun
Recognized as a "force of nature" with infectious energy, Temitayo Ade-Oshifogun played a key role in developing innovative Black History Month programming in Mendoza in 2022. As President of Black Graduates in Management, he championed diversity and inclusivity, continuously generating ideas to strengthen the Black student community. His leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on campus.
Staff
Barbara Wadley
With nearly two decades of service to the Notre Dame community, Barbara Wadley has been a cornerstone of support as the administrative coordinator for the Balfour-Hesburgh Scholars Program. She fosters a sense of belonging for students, particularly those who are low-income, first-generation, or from underrepresented backgrounds. Known for her warmth, she welcomes new students, supports seniors, and even offers homemade soup to comfort those far from home.
Harold Swanagan
A former student-athlete, Harold Swanagan has dedicated over 15 years to Notre Dame athletics, leading by example and turning "words into action in a quiet way." As a positive role model within the Athletics Department, he has made a lasting impact on student-athletes. Beyond campus, he extends his commitment to service by serving on the Boys and Girls Club board and coaching his son's basketball team, demonstrating leadership both on and off the court.
Faculty
Dr. John Onyango
As a distinguished professor in the School of Architecture, Dr. John Onyango has been a vital mentor and advocate for Black and minority students. Serving as the sole Faculty Mentor for the Building Bridges program, he has provided invaluable guidance to incoming students. His commitment to academic excellence and student support continues to reinforce the importance of Black voices in architecture.
Dr. Angela Logan
A trailblazing academic, Dr. Angela Logan made history as the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in Philanthropic Studies. With over 30 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to championing causes for women and people of color. As a trained Anti-Racism facilitator, she provides leadership training nationally and internationally, demonstrating excellence through her advocacy and mentorship.