Latino Alumni Society Invites Nominations for Awards

The Latino Alumni Society of the Arkansas Alumni Association seeks nominations for the awards to be presented at Méritos Latinos on May 8. The awards program is open to all alumni and friends and honors individuals who have significantly amplified the voices of Latina/o students and others at the University of Arkansas and have shown a deep dedication to equity and inclusion within the student body. 

Alumni, Faculty, Staff and Community Awards 

The society bestows awards in six categories. The awards committee accepts and considers nominations submitted by alumni, friends, faculty and staff. Candidates must meet the criteria outlined on the society's webpage to be eligible. 

• Cecilia Grossberger and Angela Mosley-Monts Legacy Award: This award recognizes any person whose work has significantly elevated the voice of Latina/o students and others at the University of Arkansas and who has held a deep commitment to helping students feel welcome and included.

• Maurizio Lorenzetti Latina/o Alumni Award: This award recognizes any Latina/o alumni who has shown to be a great leader and advocate for the Latina/o community. 

• Outstanding U of A Staff Member Award: This award recognizes a University of Arkansas staff member who has demonstrated exceptional engagement skills. 

• Outstanding U of A Faculty Member Award: This award recognizes a University of Arkansas faculty member who has demonstrated exceptional engagement skills. 

• Peer Mentor Award: This award recognizes an individual who has served as a mentor to a University of Arkansas student or alumni. 

• Northwest Arkansas Latina/o Business Award: This award recognizes a Latina/o business owner who is also a University of Arkansas Latina/o alumni and has contributed to the development and economic growth of the Northwest Arkansas region. 

Visit www.arkansasalumni.org/las to submit a nomination for any of the above awards. Nominations for the 2026 awards cycle close April 10. 

Student Awards 

The society seeks to recognize and highlight spring and summer 2026 U of A graduating students who have demonstrated a strong academic record, student leadership and community engagement. 

Faculty and staff are invited to nominate outstanding students by completing the student nomination form. Submit student nominations by 5 p.m. April 17. 

 A graduation celebration for these outstanding students will be held during Méritos Latinos. The society will award special graduation stoles to the students as a powerful symbol of their commitment as Latina/o alumni to continue to share the society's mission to support personal development, advance the strength of the Latina/o community, and acknowledge diversity in the different aspects of their lives. 

Méritos Latinos 

Founded in 2011, the Latino Alumni Society works to serve and recognize U of A students, bring together friends and the community, and engage faculty and staff at the University of Arkansas. 

Each academic year, the society hosts two Méritos Latinos events. The fall event is a small invitation-only reception that honors and recognizes fall graduates, serving as a graduation celebration and stole bestowal ceremony. The spring event is the society's signature event, with registration open to everyone. It includes a reception, dinner, the awards ceremony, the graduation celebration for the spring and summer graduates, and a post-dinner party with dancing. Visit the 2026 Méritos Latinos page for details on the event and sponsorship opportunities for the May 8 event. 

Send questions about the Latino Alumni Society, Méritos Latinos, or the awards nomination or student nominations processes to alumsoci@uark.edu.  

About the Arkansas Alumni Association: The Arkansas Alumni Association Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that seeks to connect alumni, friends and students to the University of Arkansas. The association's mission is to connect and serve the University of Arkansas family.