The following release is courtesy of the University of Notre Dame:
The University of Notre Dame Athletics Department and the Monogram Club have announced the creation of the Frazier Thompson Award, which will recognize outstanding contributions to diversity and inclusion by Monogram Club members and others in the Notre Dame community. The award is named in honor of Frazier Thompson (‘47, track & field), Notre Dame’s first Black Monogram winner.
The Monogram Club will work with Athletics leadership to align this new award with other initiatives related to diversity, inclusion and engagement, including the StaND Together platform. StaND Together, which was launched in the summer of 2020 by Notre Dame student-athletes, focuses on six main avenues for change: listen, amplify, focus, diversify, engage and vote.
“Frazier Thompson was a pioneer at the University and his impressive legacy will live on through this award,” Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C, said. “Notre Dame’s commitment to diversity and inclusion goes to the heart of our mission, to who we are and to what we want to be, and it is most fitting that we recognize those doing outstanding work in this regard. This award not only illuminates Frazier’s exemplary contributions but also the ongoing efforts of those who work tirelessly to advance justice and equality in our society.”
Frazier Thompson Award recipients will receive a $10,000 grant to be donated to an organization that will further diversity and inclusion. Grants will be funded by the creation of the Frazier Thompson Award Fund, generously gifted and endowed through the benefaction of Monogram Club President Don Casey (’82, ’83, swimming) and his wife, Ann.
You can read more about the new Frazier Thompson Award by clicking here.