LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Occidental College Athletics accepted the NCAA/MOAA Award for Opportunities and Impact on Sunday, June 7 at the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Convention in Las Vegas.
 
Cori Vallembois, the Tigers' Assistant Athletics Director for Operations & Facilities/JEDI Programming Coordinator/ADID, accepted the award. Vallembois was an integral part in Oxy Athletics receiving of the award – heading the Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion committee, which fosters positive conversation around topics of such nature between student-athletes.
 
"Accepting this award on behalf of Occidental Athletics was incredibly validating," Vallembois said. "So much of the work we do to expand opportunities and create meaningful impact happens day by day, without expectation of recognition. To see those efforts acknowledged on a national stage in a room full of my peers made the moment especially meaningful."
 
Vallembois, along with all 20 of the Tigers' varsity athletics programs, complete JEDI training sessions. In these sessions, teams face tough conversations that they otherwise may avoid in a team setting or the real world.
 
"This award reflects the dedication of our entire department and our shared commitment to ensuring every student-athlete has the opportunity to succeed and feel a sense of belonging at Oxy," Vallembois said.
 
The department of athletics also holds monthly JEDI discussions, so members of Occidental Athletics' staff can build a safe and collaborative working environment.
 
In addition to Occidental, the Big Ten conference was selected as the Division I recipient of the award and Saint Michael's College earned the Division II award.
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