Occidental Accepts 2026 NCAA/MOAA Award for Opportunities and Impact

Cori Vallembois, the Tigers' Assistant Athletics Director for Operations & Facilities/JEDI Programming Coordinator/ADID, accepted the award. Vallembois was integral to Oxy Athletics receiving the award, as she heads the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion committee, which fosters positive conversation around this topic 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.

Reposted from Oxy Athletics website