IRes Wins the 2025 Center for Excellence Award

University of Arizona Indigenous Resilience Center (IRes) was awarded the 2025 University of Arizona Center for Excellence Award along with other honorees on April 25 at a ceremony in the Student Union Memorial Center. 

The annual Awards for Excellence are presented by the Staff Council with support from the Office of the President. Honorees are nominated by colleagues and selected by a panel of employees who volunteer as judges. Descriptions of all the awards, including criteria and eligibility, can be found on the website for the Employee Recognition Committee, which coordinates the annual awards. 

Center Award for Excellence is given to a single organizational unit in recognition of its outstanding excellence in the management of its people and resources. The criteria for selection includes culture of promoting a satisfying work environment; leadership in creating and sustaining a dynamic and engaging workplace; environment of high performance. IRes, part of the Arizona Institute for Resilience, aims to position the University of Arizona as a world leader in Indigenous resilience research, education and outreach.

IRes Assistant Director, Danny Sestiaga Jr., shares his thoughts on IRes winning the Center of Excellence Award:

“I am beyond honored to share that the Indigenous Resilience Center (IRes) has been recognized as the 2025 Center for Excellence. In just a few short years, IRes has intentionally redefined how the University engages with tribal communities—centering Indigenous knowledge systems, relationships, and values. Our vision—“We see a world in which Indigenous communities are thriving and adaptable to meet environmental and societal challenges”—is not just aspirational. It reflects a deep truth: Our communities are sacred, resilient, and hold wisdom that extends far beyond what Western science alone can offer. That resilience continues to carry us through even the most challenging times."

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