This award is presented yearly to a graduating senior and a graduate student who meet the following criteria:
- Minored in WGSS and/or taken 3 or more WGSS courses
- Made a significant contribution to improving the condition of women at Lehigh and/or in the community
- Demonstrated academic excellence.
Anyone may nominate a student(s) using the above criteria; self nominations are encouraged. Students who receive this award will be notified by the Professor Monica Najar, Director of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies.
Patti T. Ota Award Recipients
- 2021 Claire Foley
- 2020 Dana Teach
- 2019 Nia Baker & Laura DeFelice
- 2018 Emily Ward
- 2017 Kristen Mejia
- 2016 Priya Chokshi & Alexandra Donnelly
- 2015 Elizabeth Pines & Megan McGahan
- 2014 Maria Theresa Mejia & Michelle Mi-So Choi
- 2013 Rebecca Anne Kelley & Sara Tatianna Santos
- 2012 Katherine A. Johnston
- 2011 Andrea Espinoza
- 2010 Dianna Hank & Hailey Coonrad
- 2009 Alisha Gonzales & Michelle Harris
- 2008 Divya Arunachalam
- 2007 Alexandra T. Milspaw & Stephanie J. Palmieri
- 2006 Kathleen M. Mish & Anne S. Rapson
- 2005 Kristen N. Gerhard
- 2004 Mehnaz A. Choudhury & Sarah J. Smith
- 2003 Lisa Opare
- 2002 Lauren M. Ayers & Nathalie Gali-Alfonso
- 2001 Eudora A. Weaver
- 2000 Lauren P. Cliggitt & Brianna M. Eiter
- 1999 Molly E. Egan
- 1998 Surbhi D. Kapadia
- 1997 Amy J. Sobotkin