Student Leadership Awards and Transition Ceremony
The Student Leadership Awards and Transition Ceremony is an event in which we celebrate and recognize our student leaders, organizations, and advisors for their contributions to the Kent State community during the current academic year. As part of the evening's celebration, the Center for Student Involvement will conduct a student organization officer transition ceremony, honoring the accomplishments of the outgoing officers and welcoming the incoming officers to their positions.
SAVE THE DATE
April 8, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
Kent Student Center Ballroom
These awards recognize individual undergraduate students for their contributions to leadership development.
Emerging Student Leader (F/So)
Presented to a first- or second-year student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership potential with their student organization(s). This individual has shown initiative, dedication to positive change in their organization, and a commitment to the value of student involvement early on in their undergraduate career.
Please Note: Only first-year and second-year undergraduate students are eligible to receive this award.
Outstanding Student Leader (All)
Presented to an undergraduate student who has demonstrated exemplary leadership within their student organization(s). This individual demonstrates teamwork, communication, and problem-solving for the good of their organization(s). They serve as an inspiration to their peers, creating a positive environment and demonstrating unwavering dedication to student involvement.
Distinguished Senior
Presented to a graduating senior who has demonstrated a dedication to their student organization(s) throughout their undergraduate career. This individual has made a significant impact on their student organization(s) and will leave behind a positive influence on the community. They have demonstrated dedication, leadership, and service to their organization(s).
Please Note: Only graduating (Spring ‘25, Summer ‘25, or Fall ‘25) undergraduate students are eligible to receive this award.
Unsung Hero
Presented to an undergraduate student who consistently goes above and beyond for their student organization(s), but does not seek out recognition. This individual is a vital leader in their organization(s), but demonstrates a great deal of humility and selflessness.
Kent State Impact
Presented to an undergraduate student who has demonstrated strong commitment to serving the Kent State University community and beyond through service and volunteerism. This individual has a deep dedication to giving back, and serves as an inspiration to their peers to prioritize civic engagement. They are both involved in their student organization(s) and the community.
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Presented to an undergraduate student who has prioritized academic excellence while balancing their leadership responsibilities. This individual has consistently achieved outstanding grades while still contributing meaningfully in their student organization(s). They embody academic integrity and a strong work ethic, while understanding the complementary nature of their academic pursuits and student involvement.
Kent State Spirit
Presented to an undergraduate student who consistently embodies school pride and an enthusiasm in furthering the Kent State University community. This individual consistently participates in university events and traditions, promotes a positive campus culture, and encourages their student organization(s) to engage with university activities. They demonstrate a dedication to strengthening the unity of their peers and strengthening school spirit.
Nominations will open on Mon., Feb. 17, 2025, and will close on Fri., March 7, 2025.
Finalists will be recognized at the Student Leadership Awards on Thurs., April 8, 2025 at 5:30 p.m..
These awards recognize undergraduate student organizations and advisors for excellence in the areas of programming, service, advising, and more.
Kent State Spirit
Presented to a student organization that has demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm and pride in participating in university events and traditions during the 24-25 academic year. This organization has a passion for creating unity with themselves and non-members to create a positive campus culture. The organization promotes a strong sense of school spirit in their organization, and serves as an inspiration for upholding university values.
Emerging Organization of the Year
Presented to a new student organization that has shown impressive growth in membership within their first year of registration. This organization has demonstrated promising potential in contributing to the campus’s culture, and has prioritized initiatives that positively impact their members and the community. The organization has a clear vision for future success.
Please Note: Only student organizations initially registered in Spring ‘24, Fall ‘24, or Spring ‘25 are eligible for this award.
PROGRAMS
Program of the Year
Presented to a student organization whose program, that took place during the 24-25 academic year, was overall impactful, creative, and appealed to a diverse student body. This program was a contribution to positive campus culture and enriched the university experience for the org’s members and beyond.
Entertainment Program of the Year
Presented to a student organization who delivered an engaging and well-organized entertainment experience available to the campus community (or beyond) during the 24-25 academic year. This program was both engaging and accessible to a diverse population of their peers.
Sustainable Program of the Year
Presented to a student organization who delivered a significant and withstanding sustainability program during the 24-25 academic year. This program demonstrated a clear passion for environmental responsibility and a commitment to regeneration/ecological health practices.
Community Impact Program of the Year
Presented to a student organization who delivered a program with profound and lasting impact on the local community during the 24-25 academic year. This program demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing community needs and encouraging active citizenship.
Global Impact Program of the Year
Presented to a student organization who delivered a program with far-reaching, global significance during the 24-25 academic year. This program addressed an international issue, promoted cross-cultural understanding, or encouraged international relations.
Advisor Excellence
Presented to a student organization advisor that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to guidance and support of their organization. This individual serves as a mentor, providing valuable advice, leadership, and resources, to allow their org members to thrive. They go above and beyond to empower their students to achieve their goals.
Nominations will open on Mon., Feb. 17, 2025, and will close on Fri., March 7, 2025.
Finalists will be recognized at the Student Leadership Awards on Thurs., April 8, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.