2027 William "Bill" Coleman Leadership Award Nomination Form

William"Bill"Coleman was dubbed as a "Renaissance Man." He touched so many lives around the La Crosse region including

the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, School District of La Crosse, as well as a coach/mentor on/off the wrestling mat/football

field from 1971 until 2019. Established in 2024, the purpose of the William "Bill" Coleman Leadership Award is to recognize

an undergraduate human at a college/university or a young adult out of high school (18–24-year-old) who has shown

commitment to building community, enhancing diversity, and working for justice. A committee comprised of community

members and educators will make the final selection of the William "Bill" Coleman award winner.

Nomination Process:

1. Anyone can nominate an undergraduate human at a college/university or a young adult out of high school (18–24-

year-old) who represents the following criteria:

Efforts are focused on issues of social justice, equality and diversity/inclusion (may include other justice issues
that mirror Dr. King’s work, i.e.: poverty, peace, privilege, and/or 6 principles of nonviolence)
Efforts include anti-racism work
Efforts work to empower and impact their peers
Efforts are directed toward creating positive change in their school and the greater La Crosse region
Any additional considerations or contributions

2. There is no limit to the number of nominees an organization can submit. We encourage you to please nominate one or

more deserving humans.

3. To nominate, submit this nomination form by 5:00 p.m.,Friday, December 4, 2026.

4. The William "Bill" Coleman selection committee will select one community-wide award winner, who will be recognized

at the La Crosse Area Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration on January 18th, 2026. The selected recipient will be asked

to accept the award and speak briefly on stage.

Nominator's Information

First Name *

Last Name *

Organization

Email *

Phone *

Nominee's Information

Nominee's first name

Nominee's last name

Nominee's college/university/former high school

Nominee's year in school

Nominee's email

Nominee's address

Nominee's phone number

Nomination

Please share why the nominee is a candidate for the William "Bill" Coleman award. Please specifically address the award criteria:

1. Efforts are focused on issues of social justice, equality and diversity/inclusion (may include other justice issues that mirror Dr.

King’s work, ie: poverty, peace, privilege, 6 principles of nonviolence)

2. Efforts include anti-racism work

3. Efforts work to empower and impact their peers

4. Efforts are directed toward creating positive change in their school and the greater

La Crosse area

5. Any additional considerations or contributions

Please write statement supporting the nominee for the William "Bill" Coleman Award. Please be as specific and detailed as possible. Please include at least 1 letter of support that addresses the above criteria in the next section below, if applicable.

Letter of Support

The one letter of support that addresses the above criteria supporting the nominee for the William "Bill" Coleman Award should be

emailed to [email protected]. Please make sure to include MLK Award in the Subject Line and include the nominee's

name in the email.