AWARD DESCRIPTIONS
We rely heavily on our campus colleagues (student leaders, staff, faculty, etc) to let us know about their amazing student leaders. If you would like to see which best suits the recognition of your student leader, below are the types of awards and its descriptions.
Senior Awards
The Outstanding Student Leader Awards are among the most prestigious awards presented by the University of Vermont. The students recognized are nominated by fellow members of the campus community—including students, faculty and staff—for their leadership, scholarship and service to the University. Unlike the Student Life Awards, the Senior Awards will be presented at commencement. You can learn more about each senior award (and nominate an awesome senior you know!) below:
The Mary Jean Simpson Award
Identifies the senior who best exemplifies the qualities of character, leadership, and scholarship. The award is named for Mary Jean Simpson, Dean of Women from 1937 - 1954, who displayed her commitment to students, their education, and the community. Nominate here!
The Kidder Medal
Identifies the senior ranking first in leadership, scholarship, and character. It is named in honor of Fred T. Kidder, an 1880 graduate who received his M.D. degree in 1883 and later served on the University of Vermont Board of Trustees. Nominate here!
The Class of '67 Award
Recognizes a senior student who has satisfied two of the three: (1) active membership in three recognized student activities; (2) University recognition in a varsity athletic sport; and/or (3) election to an office in a recognized student activity. The recipient must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, be respected by their peers, and be of high moral character. Nominate here!
The Keith M. Miser Leadership Award
Recognizes the student who has been successful in campus leadership endeavors. Keith M. Miser was affiliated with UVM from 1971 until 1988. He began his career here as the Director of Residential Life and was promoted to Dean of Students in 1975. He was what one might call "the student's dean". This award honors Keith's idea of student involvement and recognizes a student who has contributed to the campus through their leadership on campus. Nominate here!
The Elmer Nicholson Achievement Prize
Recognizes a student for whom "emergence" is an overriding characteristic. The Nicholson Achievement Prize recognizes the greatness of the student's total UVM experience and, based on that greatness, there is an expectation that the student will make a major contribution in their field of interest. Elmer Nicholson, Class of 1939, received the Wasson Athletic Prize in his senior year. Nominate here!
Katherine Anne Kelly Award
This award recognizes a graduating senior who best exemplifies Kate’s ability to bravely battle very serious medical challenges while still graduating and engaging in UVM student life with passion, energy, and a smile. This award honors Katherine Anne Kelly, Class of 2000, who passed away in 2014 following a heroic battle with Cystic Fibrosis. Nominate here!
Awards for First Year, Sophomore & Junior Students
Outstanding Achievement Award
This award is presented to a student from each class year (FR, SO, JR) who, through their achievements, have made a valuable contribution and lasting impact on the UVM campus and/or surrounding community. Each nominee has demonstrated commitment, responsibility, and enthusiasm in their involvement and is valued and respected by those with whom they work. Nominate for Outstanding Achievement Award
Awards for All Class Years
Activism & Commitment to Justice Award
This award will be presented to a student who has demonstrated a commitment to justice and/or has been and activist, trying to create positive change for the campus, the Burlington community and/or the world. The individual should have strong leadership, passion, and dedication to a particular issue or collection of issues. Nominate for Activism & Commitment to Justice Award
Environmental Citizen Award (Co-sponsored by: UVM Eco-Reps and the Office of Sustainability)
The Environmental Citizen Award recognizes a UVM student who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the environment. Nominations are open to undergraduate students whose behavior set an example and inspire others to lead a more sustainable lifestyle. The award will go to the nominee that shows the most commitment, creativity, and leadership in their efforts to conserve and protect our natural resources. Nominate for Environmental Citizen Award
Patrick M. Brown Leadership Award
This award is presented to one student who has been involved in a variety of activities but has not necessarily held formal leadership positions. It recognizes a person who rarely receives recognition for their work "behind the scenes." Nominees have demonstrated great dedication and dependability, and have earned the respect of others. Nominate for Patrick M. Brown Leadership Award
The Spirit of Service Award
Honors a student who has participated in community service with vigor, devotion, and an unshakable positive attitude. This student serves with an inspirational and infectious optimism and leads the way for others through their actions and involvement. Nominate for The Spirit of Service Award
The Sustained Commitment Award
Recognizes a student who has truly been in it for the long haul. This student is someone who has actively and enduringly devoted time and energy to their program area throughout their tenure at UVM. Nominate for The Sustained Commitment Award
Outdoor Leadership Award
The Outdoor Leadership Award is presented to a student who exemplifies superb leadership abilities in the outdoors. This student shows a commitment to not only furthering their own technical skills and abilities in the context of outdoor adventure activities, but also is focused on teaching others these skills. This individual recognizes that the outdoors is an incredible tool to foster connections: connections between people and place; connections between members of a group; and connections in our own thoughts and spirits as we engage in the outdoors. This person is committed to making outdoor adventure accessible, sustainable, and, of course, fun for their fellow students. Nominate for the Outdoor Leadership Award
SGA Awards
President's Award for Outstanding Organization
Any student organization (club, team, honorary group, Greek chapter, etc.) is eligible to receive this award. The award is based on the organization's leadership, active members, growth over the past year, programmatic efforts, collaborative efforts with other groups, and contributions the organization has made to UVM and/or the surrounding community. Nominate for the President's Award for Outstanding Organization
Outstanding Advisor Award
Any advisor/coach to a student organization may receive this award. The award is given to an advisor who has fulfilled a strong educational role and has helped students learn through their involvement. They demonstrate dedication, availability, and energy in their involvement with their students. They are valued and respected by those students with whom they work and have a strong understanding of the organization's needs and goals. Nominate for the Outstanding Advisor Award
Career Center Awards
The Career Champion Award
Recognizes one staff and one faculty member annually who have gone above and beyond in encouraging the career exploration, readiness, and success of UVM students. These individuals are not Career Counselors per se, but dedicate a portion of their time to supporting the career development of students, consistently empowering them to seek meaningful work with confidence, courage, and curiosity. Learn more about The Career Champion Award, and Nominate for The Career Champion Award.
