The P.J. and Hilda W. Hill Award was established from a gift from P.J. Hill, a 1920 graduate of Indiana University. The $5,000 award is presented to an outstanding senior on the IU Bloomington campus who has done the most to “better race relationships on the IU campus” during their undergraduate career.
For 2025, we are proud to recognize Aissatou Mbengue with the P.J. and Hilda W. Hill Award for supporting and enhancing diversity and inclusion through her work at Indiana University.
Aissatou Mbengue
Aissatou Mbengue is graduating with a major in Biology and minors in Anthropology and African American and African Diaspora Studies from the College of Arts and Sciences. Originally from both Indianapolis and Senegal, she has received numerous honors, including the Provost’s Scholarship, the Hudson and Holland Scholarship, and recognition as a 21st Century Scholar. She is also a proud participant in the Groups Scholars Program and the Teen Works Scholars Program.
Throughout her time at IU, Aissatou has embraced leadership roles in organizations dedicated to empowerment, advocacy, and inclusivity. She served as President of the IU Chapter of the NAACP and advanced to a state-level position as Second Vice President for the Indiana Youth and College Division of the NAACP. In the Gamma Nu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she continues to serve as the President and Social Action Chair. She has also contributed as Co-Event Coordinator for the African Student Association and serves as Chair of the Public Health and Research Department for Black Women in Charge, Inc.
Acknowledgements: “As people, we are never empty—we carry the lessons, experiences, love, and efforts everyone pours into us. I would not be here without my parents and village, and every ounce of thought and prayer they have given. I truly love and am thankful for every one of you!”
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