ACC Announces 2025 ACC Unite Award Recipients

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Atlantic Coast Conference has announced its 2025 ACC UNITE Award recipients. The recognitions honor individuals who exemplify the spirit of the UNITE Award through their commitment to fostering unity and respect within their communities. The UNITE Award is an initiative of the ACC’s UNITE Committee and was developed and approved by its 18 member institutions.

Boston College’s recipient of the 2025 ACC UNITE Award is Dr. Susan Michalczyk. She is joined by Dr. Harry Edwards of University of California, Berkeley as the two recipients of the award.

Michalczyk’s annual screenings of the documentaries she co-created with her husband, John J. Michalczyk, have helped preserve the legacy of Lou Montgomery, Boston College’s first Black football player. The tradition unites student-athletes and alumni across generations, sparking meaningful conversations and strengthening Boston College’s commitment to service. Once nearly forgotten, Montgomery’s story now serves as a lasting source of inspiration for students dedicated to unity and leadership.

“We are incredibly honored to recognize the fifth annual UNITE Award recipients and celebrate Dr. Michalczyk and Dr. Edwards with this award,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. “Each honoree represented the very best of our 18 member institutions and has made a lasting impact through their leadership, service, and commitment to creating meaningful change within their communities and beyond.”

Michalczyk is a longtime faculty member known for her interdisciplinary teaching in literature, language, art and film. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Germanic studies and a master’s degree in Italian studies from Boston College, and a doctorate in romance languages and literatures from Harvard University. Her research and documentary work focus on the ethical dimensions of racism, anti-Semitism and social justice. She has co-produced several award-winning documentaries and co-authored Costa-Gavras: Encounters with History. Beyond her teaching and scholarship, Michalczyk has held extensive leadership roles at Boston College and within the American Association of University Professors, while advising student organizations such as the College Democrats and The Gavel.

Previous ACC UNITE Award Recipients from Boston College

2025: Dr. Susan Michalczyk

2024: Blake Bolden and Justin Simmons

2023: John Austin and Joana Maynard

2022: M. Quentin Williams and Dr. Constance Smith Hendricks

2021: Doxie McCoy and Lou Montgomery

Dr. Susan Michalczyk of Boston College and Dr. Harry Edwards of the University of California, Berkeley will be recognized on-field at the 2025 ACC Football Championship Game on Saturday, December 6, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C..

For more information on the ACC UNITE Award, click here