Student Involvement and Leadership Awards

The “Outstanding Student Leader of the Year” award recognizes an MSU Denver student leader that embodies a deep commitment to the CADRE (Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence) Core Values. Furthermore, this award’s recipient has balanced high academic achievement with significant leadership responsibility within their respective campus or community-based organization. Students must have a minimum 3.25 GPA, served as a leader in co-curricular programs (campus or community), and a demonstrated commitment to excellence in their leadership roles.

The “Lean on Me” Award recognizes one student leader at MSU Denver that exhibits the most extraordinary spirit of advocacy and empathy, a commitment to supporting their peers, and a dedication to serving others in their community. Students must have a minimum 2.8 GPA, demonstrate a history of supporting their peers over the past year, and an unwavering commitment to social justice.

This award is reserved for students that possess significant leadership potential. The “Rising Star” Award recognizes a first or second year MSU Denver student that has demonstrated a substantial commitment towards developing their leadership skills, serving their community, and striving for excellence early on in their student career. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and have served as a member of at least one campus- or community-based organization.

Named for the late Stephen M. Hay, this award is given to an outstanding student who’s worked to create meaningful change in the lives of other students at MSU Denver. Students must have a minimum 3.25 GPA, involvement in co-curricular programs, and a demonstrated commitment to increase student activism on campus.

Presented to an organization in its first year of existence. The organization should bring something unique to campus life, demonstrate healthy risk-taking opportunities, and make a positive impact on the campus community.

The event of the year award is presented to organizations for events that: a) provided opportunities for students to learn about themselves and others, b) gave students the primary role in planning, implementation, promotion and evaluation of the event, and c) promoted a sense of campus community and school spirit.

Presented to the MSU Denver faculty or staff member who has shown exemplary support to students and gone above and beyond the minimal responsibilities of the student organization advisor position. Through commitment to students, this mentor sets an example and works as an advocate for students among faculty and administration.

This award is given to an individual who demonstrates special commitment and leadership to the organization. In nominating individuals, think of those members who will be difficult to replace due to their energy, efforts, or willingness to help move the organization forward. These individuals set an example for others to follow and help inspire others in the organization to get more involved.

These awards are given to student groups for programs and leadership that may not fit into a traditional category or criteria. Examples include student organizations that have collaborated in unique and different ways and student organizations that have taken a programmatic risk or challenged tradition.

Presented to the organization distinguishing itself as an example organization for others to follow.

Honors a First-Generation undergraduate student who has exemplified perseverance in their academic achievement toward their educational goals, commitment to their academic success, and making an impact on their school and communities by leading and serving the First-Generation community at MSU Denver.

Honors a First-Generation graduate student who has exemplified perseverance in their academic achievement toward their educational goals, commitment to their academic success, and making an impact on their school and communities by leading and serving the First-Generation community at MSU Denver.

Honors a faculty member who demonstrated support of First-Generation students’ education, showed exemplary advocacy towards First-Generation students’ academic success, and assisted in continuing to strengthen the First-Generation community at MSU Denver.

Honors an administrator or staff member who demonstrated support of First-Generation students’ education, showed exemplary advocacy towards First-Generation students’ academic success, and assisted in continuing to strengthen the First-Generation community at MSU Denver.