Reuben Burnley, director of undergraduate pathways at Dominican University is the first recipient of the Center for Cultural Liberation’s Black Excellence Award.

The award was created to recognize a staff member, faculty member or community partner who has demonstrated excellence in scholarship and community service while elevating inclusion and access to education and resources for Black and African American students at Dominican.

A passion for education, justice and advocacy defined Natalia Prato’s time at Dominican University.

It has also earned her the university’s highest student honor, the 2023 Mulroy Award.

Named for Dorothy Reiner Mulroy ’31, the award is presented annually to a student who has shown outstanding academic achievement and leadership.