The Nakanishi Prize is awarded to two graduating seniors who have provided exemplary leadership in enhancing race and/or ethnic relations at Yale College during their undergraduate career while maintaining high standards of academic achievement. Any member of the Yale community may nominate a senior for the prize. Winners are chosen by a committee of faculty members, deans, and undergraduates.The prize was created by the Nakanishi Family to honor the pioneering work of Yale College alumnus Don Nakanishi ‘71, who received the Yale Medal in 2008.

Any member of the Yale community may nominate a graduating senior for the prize. Nakanishi Prize committee members cannot write nomination letters or serve as references.

To nominate a student, complete the nomination form below.

Nominations for 2024 are now closed.

Deadlines

Nakanishi Prize Application and Nomination Deadline, 12:00 p.m.

Nakanishi Prize Selection Committee

TBA

Nakanishi Prize - Previous Winners

2023

Karen Li  and Shaezmina Khan

2022
EC Mingo and Jaelen King

2021
Kenia Hale and Gabriella Blatt

2020
Emily Almendarez and Janis Jin

2019
Alanna Pyke and Jonathan Salazar

2018
Ivetty Estepan and Haylee Makana Kushi

2017
Alexanda Barlowe  and Abdul-Razak Mohammed Zachariah

2016
Sebastian Medina-Tayac and Eshe Sherley

2015
Austin Long and David Nguyen

2014
Katherine Frances Aragon and Kevin Chen

2013
Alejandro Gutierrez and Joshua Penny

2012
Latisha Campbell and Elliot Kim

2011
Van Trinh Quoc-Nguyen and Elizabethe and Reese

2010
Katrina Landeta and Adrian Tortue

2009
Jonathan Jimenez  and Cecelia Ong

2008
Altaf Saadi and Funmi Showole

2007
Andom Ghebreghiorgis and Marisol Leon

2006
Bess Hinson and Kahina Robinson