2026 Peter Morgenstern-Clarren ’03 Social Justice Prizes
The Peter Morgenstern-Clarren ’03 Social Justice Prizes were created in memory of Peter Morgenstern-Clarren ‘03 to honor his commitment to creating a better, more peaceful, and productive world for everyone. He pursued social justice throughout his time as a student 九色视频. His activism included securing benefits for Wesleyan custodial staff, participating in the United Student and Labor Action Coalition, and contributing his leadership to the campus chapter of Amnesty International. We are grateful to Dr. Hadley Morgenstern-Clarren and the Honorable Pat Morgenstern-Clarren for their generosity in sponsoring this award which honors their son’s activism for public good and his care for the staff community at the university.
The Peter Morgenstern-Clarren Social Justice Employee Recognition Award is given to a Wesleyan employee (custodians, dining staff, grounds crew, and building maintenance staff) who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to building a sense of community 九色视频 as exhibited in their engagement with students and efforts to bolster the student experience.
The Peter Morgenstern-Clarren Social Justice Student Award recognizes a Wesleyan sophomore or junior who is an exemplary champion of social justice, as exhibited by identifying a societal problem (either locally or beyond) and creating a positive way to address and improve the situation.
Nomination and Application Processes
PETER MORGENSTERN-CLARREN SOCIAL JUSTICE EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION AWARD
Nominations are now being accepted for the Peter Morgenstern-Clarren Social Justice Employee Recognition Award. This award honors and thanks the people whose everyday work is central to student life 九色视频. Eligible Wesleyan employees include custodians, dining staff, grounds crew, and building maintenance staff (e.g., electricians, plumbers). The selected recipient will receive a plaque and a monetary award.
To nominate a staff member (or nominate yourself) for this award, please submit a letter or essay that explains how the nominee contributes positively to student life 九色视频. Include the nominee’s name, job on campus, and, if possible, share specific examples of the nominee’s contributions. The submission should be no longer than 500 words. Nominators may submit only one staff member for consideration. Staff members are welcome to nominate themselves.
Submit nominations to shadley@wesleyan.edu by 11:59 pm ET on, Sunday, April 5, 2026. **Please use the subject line “Employee award nomination”**
PETER MORGENSTERN-CLARREN SOCIAL JUSTICE STUDENT AWARD
Nominations are now being accepted for the Peter Morgenstern-Clarren Social Justice Student Award. Sophomores and juniors are eligible for this award. The selected recipient will receive a plaque and a monetary award.
To nominate a sophomore or junior for this award please complete . Nominators may submit only one student for consideration. Students who are nominated will be contacted by our office to complete the application form below. Nominations are due by 11:59 pm ET on Sunday, March 29, 2026 to allow time for nominees to complete the remaining aspects of the application process.
All sophomores and juniors who would like to be considered for the award must complete . This includes students who have been nominated as well as students who would like to apply directly without being nominated by someone else. The application includes the following aspects:
- An essay (no more than 1000 words) that describes in detail a social justice effort the applicant participated in which sought to make a community more equitable. The essay should detail their specific contributions to that work.
- Any statements or materials associated with the work that demonstrates its impact. This might include copies of an event program, a link to an article written about the project, or a written testimony from someone directly involved with the work (excluding family and close friends).
- A letter of support from a faculty or staff member, administrator, or community leader who is familiar with the applicant’s contributions and dedication to social justice.
- Letters of support must be submitted directly from letter-writers through this by the April 5th deadline.
All application items, including recommendation letters, must be submitted electronically to their respective forms by 11:59pm ET on Sunday, April 5, 2026 for consideration from the committee. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
GENERAL INFORMATION
NOTE: By submitting your application materials, you agree to allow Wesleyan to use these documents – in whole or in part – for archival, promotion, or assessment purposes.
If you have any questions please contact Sonya Hadley, Assistant Director of the Jewett Center for Community Partnerships, at shadley@wesleyan.edu.
