The Feminist and Gender Studies Department is delighted to share that Dr. Rushaan Kumar, Associate Professor of Feminist and Gender Studies, is the 2025 recipient of the Colorado College Alumni Association Gresham Riley Award. This award “recognizes faculty and staff who have made a significant difference to the Colorado College community through outstanding service, commitment, and accomplishment. The continuing concern for, and support of, students and alumni demonstrated by such individuals ensures the general well-being and future excellence of the college. These accomplishments exemplify the important contributions made by Gresham Riley, president of Colorado College from 1981-92.”
Dr. Kumar is being recognized for “his compassionate mentorship, academic rigor, and deep commitment to justice” as well as “his outstanding service, deep care for students, and tireless efforts to uplift underrepresented voices on campus and beyond.” According to former students, his mentorship “has been life-changing for many. Students describe him as a rare presence who validates their experiences, listens with empathy, and shows up consistently to support them as whole people.”
When asked to comment on the significance of this award, Dr. Kumar reflected: “I am honored to receive this recognition from the alumni association and deeply grateful to the former students who nominated me for it. At this turbulent time when academia is under constant attack, and when queer, trans, feminist, BIPOC, and immigrant faculty, staff and students are feeling especially vulnerable, it is important that we remember that our work matters and that we can make a difference in each other’s lives.”
Awardees will be honored during Homecoming at the alumni award ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 4th from 2:30-3:30pm at the Richard F. Celeste Theatre, Edith Kinney Gaylord Cornerstone Arts Center.
Congratulations Dr. Kumar! We could not be prouder of you and of all the ways in which you inspire those around you to live, learn, and work with authenticity, fullness, and courage!