Student Leadership Awards

Each spring the University of Northern Iowa recognizes outstanding student leadership through a series of awards presented to students and student organizations. 

Nominations are now open! Please see below for criteria for each award, deadlines to apply, and links to applications. Unless otherwise indicated, Deadline for applications for awards is Thursday, March 7th. 

Winners of awards will be announced at our Student Leadership Awards event held on Tuesday, April 16th at 7pm in the Maucker Union Ballrooms.

2024 Nomination Forms


Diversity Matters Award

Diversity describes the rich differences that people bring to the University of Northern Iowa community.  It can refer broadly to culture, identity and ideology, or more specifically to age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, gender identity, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, marital status, national origin, or veteran status.  Diversity is a dynamic concept, shaped by history, and change as our understanding of the world and its people evolves. The Diversity Matters Award is presented in recognition of dedication and service to the University of Northern Iowa in advancement of its diversity-related goals.

Nominate for Diversity Matters Award


Emerging Philanthropist

The Emerging Philanthropist Award recognizes a student who is dedicated to giving their time, talent, and treasure to the university, their community or cause(s) of their choice and shows promise as a future philanthropic leader.

Nominate an emerging philanthropist 

Nominations for 2024 are due Friday, March 8 by 11:59 p.m. Awards will be presented at the Student Leadership Awards on April 16.


Promising Young Alumni Award

The Promising Young Alumni Award recognizes one or more seniors who demonstrate qualities desired of engaged alumni. A Promising Young Alumnus demonstrates their potential as a future alumni leader for the UNI community through their commitment to service, leadership, and pride while enrolled.

Nominate a promising young alumni

Nominations for 2024 are due Friday, March 8 by 11:59 p.m. Awards will be presented at the Student Leadership Awards on April 16. 


Rising Global Star Leader Award

The Rising Global Star Leader Award is for students in any stage of their education and has made significant contributions to their department, unit, institution, organization, community, and the field of international education. The Rising Star will have demonstrated a commitment to internationalization and ingenuity of thought that has the potential to have a substantial and lasting influence on global education. 

Nominate a rising global star


Mental Health Ally Award

The UNI Counseling Center, with the support of the Northern Iowa Student Government, is seeking nominations for the first annual Mental Health Ally Award. We encourage you to nominate individuals, programs, organizations or departments that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to mental health advocacy.

Nominate a mental health ally


Award for Excellence in International Engagement

This can be awarded to UNI Students, Faculty, Staff, or Cedar Valley Community members. The nominees should be committed to promoting global understanding, research, and advocating for international exchange locally and globally. They should be an active participant with international students/scholars/dependents in the UNI community. All criteria and nomination form found here. 

Nominate for the Excellence in International Engagement


Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award

This award is designed to recognize a student organization advisor who has excelled and exemplified outstanding service, dedication, and leadership to the organization they advise.

Nominate an advisor


Most Promising New Leader in a Student Organization Award

This award is designed to recognize a member in a student organization that has demonstrated emerging leadership in the organization, a commitment to developing their leadership ability, and has exceeded the expectations of the membership of the organization.

Nominate a new leader in a student organization


Most Promising New Student Organization Award

New organizations are ones that have been started in the past year (August 2023). 

Nominate a promising new student organization


Greek 360 Award

This award is intended to recognize a member of the UNI Fraternity & Sorority Life community who also is an outstanding member of other student organizations on campus.

Nominate a Fraternity or Sorority 


UNI Fraternity/Sorority Chapter of the Year

The Office of Student Involvement is committed to recognizing the great achievements of our fraternal organizations on campus. In order for a chapter to win, the chapter must be in good standing with the university, and not have any conduct issues in the 23/24 academic year. The Office of Student Involvement will evaluate all submissions and determine the Chapter of the Year based off criteria surrounding recruitment, community service, academics, and impact on the student body. 

Nominate a Fraternity or Sorority 


Outstanding Officer in a Student Organization Award

This award recognizes a student organization officer who provides exemplary service, commitment, and strong leadership to their student organization and UNI.

Nominate an outstanding officer


Outstanding President in a Student Organization Award

This award recognizes a student organization president who has played a major role in the development and execution of their student organization.

Nominate an outstanding president


Student Organization Program of Distinction Award

This award is designed to recognize significant achievements by student organizations in the planning and implementation of programs, either a one-time event or a series of events marketed as a single program.

Nominate a program of distinction 


Student Organization of the Year Award

This award is designed to recognize a student organization that has exemplified excellence among its peers by contributing to the UNI community and fulfilling the mission of the organization.

Nominate a student organization of the year

Other Awards Recognized at Student Leadership Award Ceremony

Dr. Sue Follon Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes students for their leadership contributions during their tenure at UNI and potential to model leadership for women. Check out more information on the Dean of Students website.

Students who meet the criteria for the scholarship, based on completing their UNI Scholarship Application, will be contacted on Friday, February 16, 2024 via their UNI email to complete the specific scholarship application by Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.


Beverly Funk Barnes Scholarship

This award recognizes students who continually create new value through dedication, passion, and creativity for the benefit of the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). Based on the principle of "Fred the mailman" from Denver, Colorado, this award focuses on rewarding UNI students whom embody "The Fred Factor." Fred is the rare type of person who is extraordinary who puts others before himself and looks for ways to improve the lives of others. Check out more information on the Dean of Students Awards website. 

Nominations for 2024 are closed. The selection committee will review submitted applications and reach out to finalists for brief interviews. There will be one winner who will receive $1,000 award. Finalists will be invited to attend the Student Leadership Awards ceremony. 


Panther Pantry Volunteer Award

This award is presented to individuals, organizations or campus and community partners who go above and beyond in supporting the Panther Pantry. For more information about the Pantry, visit pantherpantry.uni.edu.


UNI C.A.R.E. Award

(Creating a Responsible Environment)

Awards are intended for UNI students, faculty, staff, organizations or programs that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to create a positive impact through sustainability at UNI or in the local community.


Dr. Charlotte West Scholar-Athlete Award

The Missouri Valley Conference will present the Dr. Charlotte West Award annually, to one female and one male student-athlete who have completed intercollegiate eligibility in their primary sport, to recognize outstanding achievement in academics, athletics, service and leadership. Nominees from UNI will be recognized at the Student Leadership Awards.


Campus Compact's Newman Civic Fellowship

The Newman Civic Fellowship is awarded to an inspiring group of community-committed students who are already making an impact in communities where they live, learn, and serve. One University of Northern Iowa student is selected to represent the institution among the 290 community-committed students representing Campus Compact member colleges and universities.


Boots to Books Scholarship

Boots to Books is a program designed to help veterans transition to civilian life and the college environment. Although many military and veteran students are eligible for G.I. benefits, more than half of them are still in need of financial assistance. In an effort to support the educational endeavors of our military and veteran students, the Boots to Books scholarship was created by Military and Veterans Student Services.

Lux Service Award

The Lux Service Award is the most prestigious award given to graduating senior students each academic year to acknowledge the culmination of their overall involvement. Recipients consistently go above and beyond, leaving a lasting legacy upon graduation.

All current students who are nominated will be contacted via email on Friday, February 16, 2024 with detailed instructions to complete the application process. Completed applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Late submissions will not be considered.

Upon review of completed applications by the selection committee individual students will be invited to participate in interviews during the week of March 18 - March 22, 2024. Award winners will be announced at the 2024 Student Leadership Awards on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. 


Outstanding Student Leader Award

The Outstanding Student Leader Award is designed to recognize students who have demonstrated dedication and leadership through their involvement in one or more campus activities.

All current students who are nominated will be contacted via email on Friday, February 16, 2024 with detailed instructions to complete the application process. Completed applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Late submissions will not be considered.

Upon review of completed applications by the selection committee individual students will be invited to participate in interviews during the week of March 18 - March 22, 2024. Award winners will be announced at the 2024 Student Leadership Awards on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. 


Servant Leadership Award

The Servant Leadership Award recognizes those who have worked for the common good while putting the needs of others first.

All current students who are nominated will be contacted via email on Friday, February 16, 2024 with detailed instructions to complete the application process. Completed applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Late submissions will not be considered.

Upon review of completed applications by the selection committee individual students will be invited to participate in interviews during the week of March 18 - March 22, 2024. Award winners will be announced at the 2024 Student Leadership Awards on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. 


Northern Iowa Student Government Above and Beyond Awards

These awards are given by students to recognize faculty and staff for their commitment to student development and success. Two awards will be given out, one focusing on student learning and the other on student success.


Drake Martin Gold Star Award

The Drake Martin Gold Star Award is the highest individual student honor in the residence system at the University of Northern Iowa. It is named in memory of Drake Martin. Drake worked at the University of Northern Iowa for 31 years. Drake brought creativity, compassion and enthusiasm to projects and initiatives that had a positive impact on students. His greatest influence over time was through individual interactions that challenged, affirmed and encouraged others. In all he did, Drake exemplified the qualities of those who are recognized with the Gold Star Award. Contact Housing & Dining for more information.

Past Award Recipients