Each year, a select group of graduating students are honored with University Student Awards for achievements in service, scholarship and leadership. Nominations for the 2025 University Student Awards are now closed!
This award goes to one graduating undergraduate student, who receives $1,000.
The President's Award is the highest award for undergraduate students and is presented to a graduating student whose accomplishments during the course of their undergraduate years are truly exceptional and reflect the highest ideals of American University.
Nominees will have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, integrity, selflessness, leadership, and service to the Washington, D.C., community. They will have contributed significantly to building community and promoting the understanding and acceptance of cultural and racial diversity on the AU campus.
In addition, the nominees must be eligible for Latin Honors:
This award is named in honor of Provost Emeritus Scott A. Bass to acknowledge his longstanding commitment to and support of academic excellence and high-quality, cutting edge research at the undergraduate level. It is presented to two graduating undergraduate students, who receive $1,000 each.
This highly competitive award recognizes the nominee's sustained excellent academic record and exceptional academic success as exemplified by extraordinary publications, research, creative work, merit awards, or competitive selection for presentations at regional and national academic societies and conferences, or participation and recognition at case, brand, or product competitions.
This award goes to two graduating master's, MFA, LLM, JD, SJD, EdD, or PhD students, who receive $500 each.
This highly competitive award recognizes the nominee's sustained excellent academic record and exceptional academic success as exemplified by extraordinary publications, research, creative work, merit awards, or competitive selection for presentations at regional and national academic societies and conferences, or participation and recognition at case, brand, or product competitions.
This award goes to two graduating students (undergraduate, graduate or law), who receive $500 each.
Requires demonstration of unique contributions and sustained service that will leave a lasting impact on the University community, whether through student government, public service, organizational leadership, or a combination of several categories.
Eleven students receive Student Achievement Awards, named after significant individuals from AU's history. Each of the recipients must be graduating undergraduate students. Awards amounts vary. Student Achievement Awards require demonstration of unique contributions as well as service benefiting the American University community. Criteria are very specific; find out more about the awards and their recent recipients to learn more!
A senior who has performed outstanding service to the University community and demonstrated unusual depth and maturity in leadership abilities.
An international student who has contributed most to increase intercultural understanding at the University.
A senior who best exemplifies qualities of character and achievement, while making significant contributions to Student Government.
A senior who has best combined citizenship and business leadership in service to the University community.
A student who has contributed the most to building community at the University.
A student who has contributed most to the University through the arts, while maintaining a high academic average.
A senior who best exemplifies integrity and selflessness in citizenship on and off campus, together with academic achievement.
A student who has demonstrated principled and informed leadership in advancing a cause, policy or program objective that benefits the campus community or a community beyond the campus.
A student who has contributed most to promoting understanding and acceptance of cultural and racial diversity within the University community.
A senior who has made significant contributions to the University while maintaining a high scholastic record and serving in Student Government or the Student Conduct system.
A senior who best exemplifies the traits of Stafford Cassell - total, selfless dedication to the University, profound energy, reliability, intellectual curiosity, friendliness, and helpfulness.
Seventeen students receive Student Affairs Awards, recognizing a variety of contributions to the AU community. Criteria and eligibility are very specific. Every nominee must submit a nomination narrative using the form below. This is a seperate process from the President's Award, Outstanding Scholarship, Outstanding Service, and Student Achievement awards. The deadline for submitting nominations to the Student Affairs Awards is March 19, 2025.
Recognizes a currently enrolled outstanding American University student who supports the needs of LGBTQIA+ community and issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity. The award will honor recipients who demonstrate advocating, educating, improving policies, and raising awareness about issues related to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for American University community members of all sexual orientation, gender identities and gender expression to thrive.
Recognizes a currently enrolled outstanding American University student who supports the needs of first-generation student community. The award will honor recipients who demonstrate advocating, educating, improving policies, creating pathways, and raising awareness about issues related to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for first- generation students at American University to thrive. (Currently enrolled Undergraduate and Graduate students are eligible.)
This award is presented to a student who best exemplifies the Kay Spiritual Life Center mission to explore meaning, discern purpose, and find community on campus. This award recognizes the energy, creativity, and service of a student in creating a sense of belonging and opportunities for engagement across different beliefs and traditions in the KSLC and AU community. (Graduating Seniors only)
The Center for Leadership and Community Engagement recognizes a student led team (of 2 or more individuals) that has exemplified outstanding collaborative leadership and significant engagement in the community. It acknowledges groups for the achievement of their work that impacted American University and Washington DC/DMV communities through advocacy or awareness initiatives during the past academic year. Teams that have effectively worked together to engage with a community partner or develop and implement a community engagement project or initiative will be considered for this award. (Currently enrolled Undergraduate and Graduate students are eligible.)
The Center for Leadership and Community Engagement honors a student who embodies the principles of active citizenship through exemplary community service, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to addressing both global and domestic issues. This award is designed to honor students who have made significant contributions to social change locally and globally. It recognizes students who have actively participated in community projects, global initiatives, or social change movements, demonstrating a commitment to creating a positive impact beyond their immediate environment. (Currently enrolled Undergraduate and Graduate students are eligible.)
The Center for Leadership and Community Engagement honors an individual who has not only dedicated themselves to meaningful community service but has demonstrated exceptional mentorship and leadership qualities. (Currently enrolled Undergraduate and Graduate students are eligible.)
This award recognizes a student on an executive board of a recognized student organization who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service to the AU community, academic achievement, and outstanding contributions to campus life. This student shows a dedication and commitment to advancing the mission of their organization and creating a sense of belonging and connection on campus. Nominees must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. (Currently enrolled Undergraduate students are eligible. Must be in a leadership position in a registered student organization)
This award recognizes a rising sophomore or junior student who is actively involved in campus life and demonstrates a potential for leadership. This student has made a significant contribution to their organization and/or impact on campus. Nominees must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
This award recognizes a student who has demonstrated excellence in leadership in a CSI recognized board or council through membership development, academic achievement, and outstanding contributions to campus life. This student shows a dedication and commitment to advancing the mission of their governing board and creating a sense of belonging and connection on campus. Candidates must have at least a 3.0 GPA. (The recipient must be a leader in AUSG, AUCC, Student Media Board, Student Activities Council, Graduate Leadership Council, Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council or Intercultural Greek Collective.)
This award recognizes a RSO that has had a significant impact on the AU community through membership development, leadership, programming, and service.
The Outstanding Student Leader Award is crafted to honor students who have exhibited remarkable dedication and leadership by actively participating in one or more campus activities, leading to a tangible improvement in the campus's overall quality of life. The recipient of this award will have contributed significantly to fostering a positive campus environment, elevating the standard of student life, and actively contributing to the continuity of effective leadership. (Currently enrolled Undergraduate students)
This award aims to acknowledge the exemplary contributions of a student organization advisor who has demonstrated outstanding service, unwavering dedication, and exceptional leadership in guiding the organization they advise.
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) recognizes a currently enrolled or graduating international undergraduate or graduate student who has demonstrated exceptional intercultural leadership. This award honors an individual who has advocated for, educated others, and collaborated or created programs that foster intercultural understanding and acceptance, making a positive impact beyond their immediate community.
Nominations for the 2025 University Student Awards are now closed!
Deadline: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 5 P.M.
How: Fill out the online nomination form (by clicking the "nominate student" button below). It includes a "nomination narrative" that says why you're nominating the student.
Who is eligible: Students graduating between August 2024 and May 2025 (This includes all students eligible to walk in the December 2024 or May 2025 graduation ceremonies.) Of the 18 awards, 14 go to undergraduates, two go to graduate students, and two awards are open to both groups.
Who can nominate: Anyone at AU - so students, faculty and staff may all nominate. We also accept and encourage self-nominations.
Deadline: Friday, March 21, 2025 at 5 P.M.
After the nomination, other material can be added - such as a resume or up to 3 recommendation letters. Recommendations are support material for existing nominations. They do not create the nomination and can't be uploaded until there's an existing nomination.
Who writes recommendations: Anyone who knows your work or impact - e.g. faculty, staff, fellow students, off-campus internship supervisors, etc.
Yes. But in that case, it will strengthen the nomination to have a recommendation letter from someone else. (Though this is not required.) Please see the tips below to avoid common errors!
The nomination narrative is part of the nomination itself. It's written into a text box on the nomination form by the nominator. (Of course, the nominator is clearly recommending the person they nominate! But it's not a "recommendation letter.")
In contrast, a recommendation letter is an additional recommendation, from a person who did not nominate the student but supports the nomination. It's uploaded after the nomination has been created. It can be helpful but is not required.
One.
Most winners have a single compelling nomination. It is, of course, possible that more than one faculty member, staff member, or peer will nominate the same person - and that's great. But there is no advantage to having multiple nominations.
One is fine. None is also fine, if there is a compelling nomination narrative.
The main consideration with recommendation letters is the case they make for the student for the particular award.
As a rule, we prefer no more than three recommendation letters. Quality is more important than quantity!
Absolutely! Students can be nominated in multiple categories (President's Award, Scholarship, Outstanding Service, and Student Achievement). They can also be nominated for multiple awards within the 11 Student Achievement Award category.
Yes. You can nominate students for multiple awards, nominate several students for the same awards, or support nominations of multiple students with recommendation letters.
Yes, although it's not really a "nomination" until it's submitted. You can save it in draft and keep working on it until you're ready to submit. But the student cannot upload support material until they're officially nominated, so please try to finalize it early and submit! After you hit "submit," you can still go back and edit the nomination until the deadline.
Please don't. It doesn't help, because it's just a duplicate - assuming you've written the nomination narrative on the form, as per the directions.
In order to nominate, you must write a nomination narrative on the form, where you say why you're nominating them. This is your "recommendation," and there's enough space in the box to make a solid case.
It is possible to simply write "recommendation letter attached" in the nomination narrative box, and then upload a recommendation letter as supporting material. But that's not the preferred approach.
Recommendation letters are supposed to come from people who are NOT the nominators, and are considered supporting material.
A recommendation letter, yes. A nomination, no.
The nomination must exist first. All nominations must come from within AU. However, we welcome supplemental materials (such as a recommendation letter) from anyone who knows your work - including non-AU indicviduals such as an internship supervisor, a retired or former faculty or staff member, etc.
Please connect first by email with the contact person for your award (see names and emails above in the "Contacts" box), as you or the recommender may need to email it to them in order to attach it to the nomination.
Please try to upload into the system by following the instructions above - it's really quite easy! If you do run into problems, though, you can email the appropriate contact for the award (listed above) with a request to help out.
Only letters in the form of documents can be attached to nominations by our team. An email message cannot be used as a recommendation letter. There must be a separate document for each recommendation (e.g. you can't send a single letter and then get it attached to multiple awards. Each award needs a separate letter.)
Recommenders from outside AU may email the appropriate contact for the award category or send their letter to the nominee, who can upload it.
For President's Award:
Lisa Arakaki
Office of the President
president@american.edu
For Outstanding Scholarship:
Sara Biggs
Office of the Provost
sbiggs@american.edu
For Student Achievement Awards and Outstanding Service:
Dayne Hutchinson
Divison of Student Affairs
studentaffairs@american.edu
View past winners of the University Student Awards! These students have demonstrated excellence in service, leadership and academic scholarship.
