UWG Welcomes Alum Brian Nunez as Keynote Speaker for 41st Annual MAP Awards

The University of West Georgia hosted Brian Nunez as the keynote speaker of the Multicultural Achievement Awards (MAP Awards) on Wed, celebrating the academic achievement of more than 1,300 students online and on campus. The event honored students who maintained a GPA of 3.3 or higher, recognizing their academic dedication and success.

Nunez, a 2014 UWG graduate with a degree in political science, spoke about his journey as a student leader and his current work in advocacy. He is a senior policy associate at the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and works at Georgia’s State Capitol to fight for civil rights, voting rights and social justice.

“When I first stepped onto campus, I was filled with ambition but also uncertainty,” said Nunez. “I wanted to make an impact but I didn’t know how.”

While at UWG, Nunez served as the Chief Justice of the Student Government Association, President of the Latino Cultural Society and founding brother of Lambda Theta Phi Fraternity, the Delta Zeta Chapter. He credits these experiences with shaping him into the leader he is today.

“Each organization I joined, each responsibility I embraced, was a stepping stone in my journey,” Nunez said. “I learned the importance of fairness, integrity and making good decisions for the greater good.”

John Preston, UWG’s provost, emphasized the importance of MAP awards in fostering student success. “The Multicultural Achievement Program is all about creating personal, unique experiences for every student,” Preston said. “At West Georgia, we want to make sure you’re not just learning from books, but you’re building connections, gaining mentorship and preparing for a successful future.”

“We have over 1,300 students who will receive this award, all with a minimum GPA of 3.3, many of you even higher,” Preston said. “I did the math and together, your collective GPA is 4,290. You all are fantastic.”
Nunez ended the ceremony by encouraging students to embrace their journeys and create change. 

“If you want to see change around you, you have to create it,” he said. “You are the architects of your future.”
With an inspiring message from Nunez and a celebration of student achievement, the MAP Awards highlighted UWG’s commitment to fostering leadership, diversity and academic excellence.