Recognize a Student Leader on Campus
The Student Leadership Awards is an annual program hosted by the Maverick Involvement Team and Student Activities where the campus community is invited to nominate students, staff, and/or Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) for awards. Nominators, nominees, award winners, and guests are invited to the academy award style ceremony to celebrate and recognize the exceptional work of those nominated and awarded.
The nomination period for the 2025 Awards begins on Monday, January 6 and closes on February 28 at 10am. Nominators and nominees can expect to receive an invite for the ceremony within 5 days after the nomination is received. The committee of judges will review and decide on award winners within three weeks after the nomination deadline, and all will come together for the Awards Ceremony on Sunday, April 13, 2025 from 3 - 5pm in the Centennial Student Union Ballroom to celebrate.
Leadership Award Categories
Presented to an undergraduate student in his or her senior year, a graduate student, or an experienced staff member who actively celebrates the mission of Minnesota State University, Mankato (MSU, Mankato) to promote learning through effective undergraduate and graduate teaching, scholarship, and research to the state, the region and for the global community. Please provide examples of how this person pairs bold aspirations with practical applications in accordance with the ideals of the University’s mission. The letter of recommendation should depict how this person has made an impact at Minnesota State University, Mankato and how they have or could someday change the world.
Given to a student who encourages a culture of understanding, belonging, and civility at Minnesota State University, Mankato. In the recommendation letter, please provide examples reflecting how the nominee creates innovative opportunities that foster the development of leaders who are committed to civic engagement and social justice on a local or global scale.
Awarded to a student who is willing to step-up and take risks for the betterment of the Minnesota State University, Mankato community. Please provide examples showing how the nominee strives to make positive changes on campus.
Presented to a student who is involved in volunteer service through Minnesota State University, Mankato. Please provide examples regarding how the student demonstrates civic responsibility through service and inspires hope in those they serve and others around them. Be specific about how the student exhibits respect, caring, and compassion for members of the MSU, Mankato campus community. Please also be specific about the amount of time the nominee dedicates to service on campus.
Presented to a student who represents the core values of MSU, Mankato. Please use the core values of the University, listed below, to provide examples of how the nominee is an outstanding collegian.
- Integrity and respect in the way we conduct ourselves
- Diversity in who we are and what we do
- Access to our programs and services that create opportunities for all to pursue their dreams
- Responsibility to those we serve by providing an education that inspires solutions to society's challenges
- Excellence in our academic and non-academic pursuits
Awarded to a Recognized Student Organization (RSO) that is an active member of the Minnesota State University, Mankato campus. Please provide examples of the RSO’s involvement and how it represents the core values of Minnesota State University, Mankato listed below.
- Integrity and respect in the way we conduct ourselves
- Diversity in who we are and what we do
- Access to our programs and services that create opportunities for all to pursue their dreams
- Responsibility to those we serve by providing an education that inspires solutions to society's challenges
- Excellence in our academic and non-academic pursuits
Given to an advisor of an RSO who has gone above and beyond in working with members of their organization. Please provide examples of how the advisor promotes the organization, has made a positive impact on the organization and how the advisor mentors the organization’s active members.
Presented to a Recognized Student Organization and/or Student Body (ie. Honors, Biology Majors, etc.) that is involved in community service within the greater Mankato community. Please provide examples regarding how the student organization or entity demonstrates civic responsibility through service and inspires hope in those they serve and others around them. Be specific about how the group exhibits respect, caring, and compassion for members of the Minnesota State University, Mankato campus and surrounding community. Please also be specific about the amount of time the group or organization dedicates to service.
Presented to a well-attended event hosted by an RSO. In the recommendation letter, please provide examples showing how the event provides a welcoming environment and a learning opportunity to the campus and greater Minnesota State University, Mankato community.
Awarded to a student who is new to Minnesota State University, Mankato (either a first year student or a transfer student in their first year at Minnesota State University, Mankato) who shows active involvement in an organized campus activity. Please provide examples as to how the nominee is involved and how they are making a difference on campus.
Awarded to a student in his or her senior year, a graduate student, or an experienced staff member who actively celebrates the mission of the Centennial Student Union (CSU) to welcome students, faculty, staff, and community members. Please address the student or staff member’s level of involvement in the CSU and provide examples as to how the person has helped to create a vibrant community gathering place in the letter of recommendation.
Awarded to a student who consistently works hard behind the scenes and rarely receives the recognition deserved. Please provide examples of how the student has made an impact behind the scenes, a positive attitude, and a willingness to help in whatever capacity necessary.
