Four legacy awards are presented by the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration committee – the Phyllis S. Lee Award, the Frances Dancy Hooks Award, the Oscar Humberto Montemayor Award and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Alumni Legacy Award. Each award is accompanied by a $500 stipend.
2026 Award Recipients:
Oscar Humberto Montemayor Award
Marelyn Poox-Castillo; 3rd Year
Ismael Rodriguez Cardoso; 4th Year, Business Administration
Freddy León; Center Director, Centro Cultural César Chávez
Steven Sanders; Assistant Professor, Psychology
Brandi Douglas; Director of Diversity Initiatives & Programs, University Housing & Dining Services
Congratulations to all recipients!
Phyllis S. Lee Award
The Phyllis S. Lee Award honors a member of the Oregon State community who exemplifies Dr. Lee’s commitment and dedication to social justice and the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Frances Dancy Hooks Award
The Frances Dancy Hooks Award recognizes Oregon State students, staff or faculty who exemplify Frances Dancy Hooks’ work: building bridges across cultures, showing courage in promoting diversity, and proudly “Walking the Talk.”
Oscar Humberto Montemayor Award
The Oscar Humberto Montemayor Award was created to honor Oscar, who served the Oregon State community with incredible diligence and grace over a thirty-year career. The award honors a current Oregon State student who embodies Oscar’s ethos of selfless service; steady, strong, considerate leadership; and trailblazing spirit and heart.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Alumni Legacy Award
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Alumni Legacy Award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated a deep and abiding commitment to causes of social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion and who exemplify and enrich OSU’s values of community, diversity, respect and social responsibility in their broader community or organization.