From the Nominator

"In the fall of 2020, Brown released its first-ever Historically Underrepresented Groups (HUGs) Alumni Engagement survey. The survey's ultimate goal was to develop long-term Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging strategic goals to guide and align Brown's efforts to build a more inclusive alumni engagement program.   

Staff and Brown Alumni Association (BAA) volunteer leaders worked in partnership to design the HUGS alumni survey, analyze the results, and write a 25-page survey report. This collaboration made it possible to harness the collective wisdom of Brown volunteer leaders and staff to craft a unique survey and detailed survey report. Alumni and staff knowledge and understanding of the Brown community made it possible to identify trends and the nuanced insights that informed the development of the DEIB strategic goals. Engaging the BAA Board of Governors and affinity group leaders in this project ensured volunteer investment and commitment to the DEIB strategic goals developed through this initiative.   

The HUGs survey, accompanying report, and DEIB strategic goals helped Brown prioritize its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging efforts. The information generated by the initiative helped the alumni relations department make a case for a new staff position. Insights from the survey informed Brown's first DEI volunteer training. 

The project was a catalyst for Brown's inaugural alumni community virtual event, featuring a discussion with two preeminent Brown scholars on the topic of race, the persistence of racial inequality, and the legacies of slavery. The event generated record-setting registration and attendance number"

From the Judges

The concept was outlined nicely and the report produced provided clear details. This is a model for other institutions and is replicable due to the resources required. The use of volunteers was smart and well executed.