Student Leadership Awards

Outstanding Student Organization - This award is presented to organizations that offer superior quality events/activities, organizational interaction, and support to the campus community.  This group should support student life, maintain a dedicated membership, be active in campus-wide student life programs and initiatives as well as serve as a significant positive impact on campus life. Include a current roster of members, additional recognition the organization has received, and any other pertinent information.

To be considered, nomination information should address the following:

• Exemplary programming:  Include information about the scope and scale of programs, numbers of individuals impacted or served, and any partnerships or collaborations resulting from this program.
• Outstanding organization membership:  A complete membership roster should be submitted.  Additionally, include information showing the benefits of membership for students, and the positive impacts for students from being involved.
• Contribution to the campus community:  In addition to demonstrating exemplary programming, articulate the RSO’s contribution to the UM-Dearborn campus community and/or the region.

Outstanding Student Organization Program - This award is presented to a program or series coordinated by a student organization, which enhanced student life.  Awarded programs should reach a broad audience and have campus-wide visibility.

To be considered, nomination information should address the following:

• Campus and/or community impact:  Provide evidence of impact on campus through overall attendance, describe the impact and how this program enhanced student life, and/or highlight the significance brought to a particular issue.  
• Visibility:  Articulate the visibility (both on-campus and/or off-campus) of the program. How was this accomplished? Please describe the positive impact from this program being visible and accessible.

Daniel E. Little Outstanding Commitment to Civic Engagement and Volunteer Service (Group Award) - Awarded to a student group that has shown a deep commitment to creating positive change in their campus or home community. 

To be considered, nomination information should address the following:

• Student Organization snapshot: What sets this student organization apart from other student organizations? Why is this student organization committed and passionate about this work?
• Impact:  Provide evidence of the impact the student organization's work is having on a community. How is it resulting in positive change? 
• Commitment to community: Describe what it is that the student organization is committed to and how they are going about their commitment.  How is this work addressing an issue on a deeper level? How are they addressing the root cause?

Outstanding Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion (Group Award-Student Organization) - This award honors student organizations with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion through student life programming and positive interactions with other students, student organizations, faculty, and staff.  Recipients should demonstrate ways they contribute to promoting an inclusive campus.

To be considered, nomination information should address the following:

• Impact:  Provide evidence that the work of the organization has contributed to creating an inclusive and safe campus.  Provide information about engagement participation that created or strengthened campus as a result of the organization’s work.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:  Describe the organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and how that is actively demonstrated through their work/service.

Outstanding Fraternity & Sorority Life Organization - This award, sponsored by UM-Dearborn Fraternity & Sorority Life is presented to organizations that exemplify the values and mission of their organization while creating a positive impact on campus, and within the larger Dearborn and Metro-Detroit communities.

To be considered, nomination information should address the following:

• Commitment to Organization Values and Mission:  Include information about how the chapter, through programming, events, and member development, is committed to its values and mission. 
• Outstanding Member Development:  articulate the benefits of membership of the chapter, and how the chapter develops students to create a positive impact on campus.

Contribution to campus and surrounding community:  articulate the chapter's contribution to the UM-Dearborn campus community and/or the region.

Outstanding New Organization- This award, sponsored by the Office of Student Life is presented to a new student organization that was established during the 2021 calendar year. It recognizes an organization that has recently been formed and that has made its presence known via campus and community impact in this short time span.

Distinguished Student Leader - This prestigious award is presented to students with exceptional leadership experiences and qualities, demonstrated both on campus and in the community.  Students who earn this award have been involved in a variety of organizations, held significant leadership roles or positions, or been involved in numerous projects across campus that demonstrate collaboration and community.

To be considered, nomination information should address the following:

• Leadership: Highlight the candidate’s impact in areas of student life on campus through leadership capacities via student organizations, student initiatives, campus committees, student employment, or other involvement at UM-Dearborn.
• Collaboration and community building on campus:  Highlight at least two different campus entities (ie – student organizations, departments, committees) with which the nominee has served or partnered and how that work has led to positive outcomes for UM-Dearborn.
• Metropolitan engagement in Metro Detroit: Describe the nominee’s community work.  Examples may include community service or service-learning, sustained volunteer service at a local agency, work to promote or enhance a community issue, or advocacy.  Each example should outline the impact of the work of the nominee.

Outstanding Student Organization Advisor - This award is presented to an advisor who has had a positive impact on a student organization and on campus. This individual should demonstrate strong advising skills and be readily available to students.  Additionally, this person should provide a significant level of support and sensitivity to individual and organizational needs.

To be considered, nomination information should address the following:

• Student support:  Highlight the ways in which the student organization advisor supports the success of individual students.
• Organizational support: Articulate the ways in which the student organization advisor supports the needs of the organization. 

Outstanding Student Employee - Awarded to an outstanding student employee in any department on campus.  The employee must demonstrate a willingness to go above and beyond expectations, be a team player, and assist co-workers.  Student Interns may be considered for this award. 

To be considered, nomination information should address the following:

• Expectations: Provide evidence that the nominee consistently meets and/or exceeds expectations outlined in the job description. Please be specific on how they exceeded the requirements at hand.
• Team player:  Thoroughly describe the teamwork and collaboration skills of the nominee.
• Advances the mission: Highlight the ways in which the work of the student employee contributes to advancing the University's mission.

Daniel E. Little Outstanding Commitment to Civic Engagement and Volunteer Service (Individual Student) - Awarded to a student, individually or as part of a group, who has shown a deep commitment to creating positive change in their campus or home community.

To be considered, nomination information should address the following:

• Student snapshot: What sets this student apart from their peers? Why is this student committed and passionate about this work?
• Impact:  Provide evidence of the impact the student’s work is having on the community. How is it resulting in positive change?
• Commitment to community:  Describe what it is that the student is committed to and how they are going about their commitment.  How is this work addressing an issue on a deeper level? How are they addressing the root cause? 

Outstanding Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion (Individual Student) - This award honors student leaders with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion through student life programming and positive interactions with other students, faculty, and staff.  Recipients should be involved in programs or services which aim to promote an inclusive and safe campus.

To be considered, nomination information should address the following:

• Impact:  Provide evidence that the work of the student has contributed to creating an inclusive and safe campus.  Provide information about programs and/or services created or strengthened on campus as a result of the students’ work.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:  Describe the student’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and how that is actively demonstrated through their work/service.

Outstanding Success Advocate (faculty/staff) - This award is given to a faculty or staff member who has gone above and beyond to advocate for students and their success as Dearborn Wolverines.

To be considered, nomination information should address the following:

• Advocacy: How has this individual advocated for the success of students?
• Motivational: How has this individual role modeled for students and motivated them to work to their fullest potential?
• Challenging & Supporting: How has this individual challenged students to excel, while providing necessary support to ensure success?

Outstanding First Gen Student  -This award is given to a successful student who is among the first in their families to go to college and has shown advocacy and been a proponent for change within the first-gen community at UM-Dearborn.

To be considered, nomination information should address the following:

• Leadership: the ways in which the student has led a first-gen initiative/program/service
• Advocacy: the ways in which the student has been a proponent for the first-gen community within their spheres of influence 
• Grit: has shown persistence through social, academic, or professional obstacles

Outstanding New Student –This award recognizes a student in their first year on campus who has shown a strong commitment to success, the university mission, and has already begun to make a substantial impact on campus. 

To be considered, nomination information should address the following:

• Commitment to success: What has this student done to demonstrate a commitment to their academic success? 
• Living the mission: How has the student demonstrated a commitment to the university mission and has served as a role model for their peers?
• Campus impact: What has the student done to begin making an impact on campus?

Outstanding Fraternity & Sorority Life Member – 

To be considered, nomination information should address the following:

• Commitment to their organization's values: What has this student done to demonstrate a commitment to their chapter's values? 
• Campus and community impact: What has the student done to make a lasting impact on campus and/or the surrounding community?:

Arthur Kochoff Spirit of Lifelong Learning Award– This award recognizes the achievements and contributions of students who have returned to their academic journey after many years away. It recognizes students who juggle multiple roles, overcome obstacles, and have academically succeeded all while pursuing their undergraduate degree.

**Special Recognition nominations do not guarantee the nominee will be selected.

Emerging Leader Recognition - Typically awarded to a first or second-year student, this certificate recognizes students whose actions have been a major contribution to increasing teamwork, effectiveness, and achievement in the UM-Dearborn community.

Leadership Legacy Recognition - Typically awarded to an upper-level student, this certificate recognizes a student leader whose long-term dedication and commitment to the community of UM-Dearborn is undeniable. This award recognizes students who have left a lasting impression as dynamic student leader. Examples include serving as a long-standing member of a student organization, may continuously help integrate new students as a volunteer or orientation leader, etc.

Social Justice Advocate Certificate - This award recognizes an individual, student organization, group, or residential community for their demonstrated commitment to issues of diversity and social justice at UM-Dearborn and in the local community.

Commitment to Service Recognition Certificate - Recognizes a student who has engaged in numerous volunteer experiences that have helped to make a positive difference in the community.

Bridge Builder and Campus Connector Recognition Certificate –The Bridge Builder/Campus Connector award recognizes students who have worked to establish or support connections between student groups or individuals. The areas of collaboration can include collaborative events, exploration of diverse cultures, education about issues that have challenged the campus, or other multicultural offerings.

Unsung Hero Recognition Certificate –The Unsung Hero award recognizes students who have positively influenced a program or organization from behind the scenes with a positive attitude, a willingness to help in whatever capacity necessary, and a commitment to excellence.

This prestigious award is presented to students with exceptional leadership experiences and qualities, demonstrated both on campus and in the community.  Students who earn this award have been involved in a variety of organizations, held significant leadership roles or positions, or been involved in numerous projects across campus that demonstrate collaboration and community.

• Dylan Arroyo

• Kylar Daniels

• Alexander Jacobson

• Shanmukh Gopinath Mandava

• Amanda Saleh

This award is presented to organizations that offer superior quality events/activities, organizational interaction and support to the campus community.  This group should support student life, maintain a dedicated membership, be active in campus-wide student life programs and initiatives as well as serve as a significant positive impact on campus life. Include a current roster of members, additional recognition the organization has received, and any other pertinent information.

• BuildOn

This award is given to a successful student who is among the first in their families to go to college and has been an advocate and proponent for change within the first-gen community at UM-Dearborn.

• Nadya Petri

This award is presented to an advisor who has had a positive impact on a student organization and on campus. This individual should demonstrate strong advising skills and be readily available to students.  Additionally, this person should provide a significant level of support and sensitivity to individual and organization needs.

• Maya Barak

This award recognizes a student in their first year on campus who has shown a strong commitment to success, the university mission, and has already begun to make a substantial impact on campus.

• Nabrah Lone

This award is given to a faculty or staff member who has gone above and beyond to advocate for students and their success as Dearborn Wolverines.

• Zheng Song

This award recognizes a member of the Fraternity and Sorority community who has demonstrated a strong commitment to their organization's values and has made a strong impact on the campus and community more broadly.

• Antanas Rudis

• Brianna Bryant

This award is presented to organizations that exemplify the values and mission of their organization, while creating a positive impact on campus and within the larger Dearborn and Metro-Detroit communities.

Delta Phi Epsilon

This award is presented to a program or series coordinated by a student organization, which enhanced student life.  Awarded programs should reach a broad audience and have campus-wide visibility.

• PRSSA

• MSA

Awarded to an outstanding student employee in any department on campus, this employee must demonstrate a willingness to go above and beyond the expectations, be a team player, and assist co-workers.

• Arman Hossain

• Samuel Bellaire

Awarded to a student group that has shown a deep commitment to creating positive change in their campus or home community. 

• Brett Jordan

• Ivett Facundo

This award honors student organizations with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion through student life programming and positive interactions with other students, student organizations, faculty and staff.  Recipients should demonstrate ways they contribute to promoting an inclusive campus.

• Darena Matti

• Mintu Joy

Typically awarded to a first or second year student, this certificate recognizes students whose actions have been a major contribution for increasing teamwork, effectiveness and achievement in the UM-Dearborn community.

Typically awarded to an upper level student, this certificate recognizes a student leader whose long-term dedication and commitment to the community of UM-Dearborn is undeniable. This award recognizes students who have left a lasting impression as a dynamic student leader. Examples include serving as a long-standing member of a student organization, may continuously help integrate new students as a volunteer or orientation leader, etc.

RECOGNIZES STUDENTS WHO HAVE POSITIVELY INFLUENCED A PROGRAM OR ORGANIZATION FROM BEHIND THE SCENES WITH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE, A WILLINGNESS TO HELP IN WHATEVER CAPACITY NECESSARY, AND A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE.