This award is given to a student who demonstrates Laura Nichols’ commitment to the importance of Women’s Studies in realizing social justice. From her arrival at the University of Maryland in 1987 to her retirement in 2014, Laura Nichols served as Academic Advisor to all Women’s Studies majors and certificate students and also advised Black Women’s Studies minors. Her dedication to students’ success was unwavering and part of the legacy we hope to preserve through this award.