Applications being accepted for Perkins Prize for interracial harmony

Applications for the 1998 Perkins Prize for Interracial Understanding and Harmony are now being accepted by the Dean of Students Office. The $5,000 annual prize was established in 1995 by Cornell trustee Thomas W. Jones for the recognition of the Cornell professor, student, administrator or program making the most significant contribution to furthering the ideal of university community while respecting the values of racial diversity.

This will be the fourth time the award will be presented.

Jones established the James A. Perkins Prize to promote efforts for the advancement of campus interracial understanding and harmony and to honor the past Cornell president's historic decision to increase the enrollment of minority students during the tumultuous 1960s. Prize money will be used to support activities that promote interracial respect, understanding and harmony on campus.

Jones holds a 1969 bachelor's degree in government and a 1972 master of regional planning degree from Cornell. As an alumnus, he has continued his strong commitment to Cornell and is a university trustee and a member of the Cornell Medical College's Board of Overseers. Jones is the chairman and CEO of Smith Barney Asset Management, a division of the Travelers Group. Prior to joining Smith Barney in August 1997, Jones was vice chairman, president and chief operating officer for TIAA-CREF.

Faculty, staff and students are invited to apply for the award or to nominate applicants. Nomination and application forms are available at the Office of the Dean of Students, 401 Willard Straight Hall (255-6839 or 255-1115).

Guidelines for the application process and the nomination and application forms are available through the Perkins Prize web site at <http://www.dos.cornell.edu/dos/dos/PerkinsPrize.html>.

Deadline for nominations is Feb. 20 and for completed applications, March 13. The awards ceremony will be held Tuesday, April 28.