From: Indigenous Graduate Student Association
Date: May 21
Subject: IGSA Spring 2026 Newsletter



Hi First_Name,

igsa spring newsletter MAY 2026

Thank you for an amazing year, IGSA!

💛 As the Spring 2026 semester comes to a close, we are reflecting on an incredible year spent with the IGSA community. We are so grateful to learn from and laugh with one another!

💐 Thank you to everyone who showed up for our end-of-semester social. What a beautiful way to connect and celebrate everyone!

✨ We are sad to part with some graduating IGSA members, but follow us on Instagram or Facebook for some member highlights as they make their journey beyond Cornell. Thank you for being part of our community, you always have a home here!

HIGHLIGHTING INDIGENOUS EXCELLENCE 🎉

CONGRATS TO OUR 2026 GRADUATES!


Dr. Charlotte Logan

PhD, Linguistics


Dr. Aspen KB Omapang

PhD, Information Science


Dr. Savanah Dale

PhD, Plant Breeding and Genetics


Dr. Sarah LaVoy-Brunette

PhD, Medieval Studies


Josette Vigil, MS

Master of Science, Biomedical Engineering


Miranda Mia Ma, MPA

Master of Public Administration, Environmental Policy


Marvin Weber, MPS

Master of Professional Studies, Controlled Environment Agriculture

RECOGNIZING IGSA LEADERSHIP

Congratulations to Cheyenne Reuben-Thomas for receiving the 2026 David L. Call Award from AIISP! 

🍓This award recognizes an Indigenous graduate or professional student who displays outstanding leadership, service, and commitment in pursuit of a graduate or a professional degree. It honors Dean Emeritus David L. Call, who provided tireless and loyal support for Indigenous students in higher education and remains a beloved friend of AIISP.

Congratulations to Jordan Johnson for receiving the 2026 Buffalo Spirit Award from AIISP! 

🦬 The Buffalo Spirit Award was started in 1995 by the Cornell Council of American Indian Graduate and Professional Students to recognize and honor an individual who has provided outstanding leadership in supporting Native students and the goals of the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program.

Congratulations to Nīkau Wi Neera for receiving the 2026 Buffalo Spirit Award from AIISP!

🦬 The Buffalo Spirit Award was started in 1995 by the Cornell Council of American Indian Graduate and Professional Students to recognize and honor an individual who has provided outstanding leadership in supporting Native students and the goals of the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program.

Congratulations to Kaitlin Diggins for receiving the Exemplary Leadership and Service Award for Advanced Career Graduate Students by Cornell’s Graduate School Office of Inclusion and Student Engagement! 

This award honors graduate students who go above and beyond to strengthen community, expand access, and foster belonging. Kaitlin's leadership, dedication to service, and commitment to supporting her peers make a meaningful impact on the Cornell community.

You can read the full IGSA Spring 2026 Newsletter here