Student Leadership Awards

Panther Pantry Awards:

Sam's Club

The MOVEment

St. Steven the Witness Catholic Student Center

Northern Iowa Student Government Above and Beyond Awards

These awards are given by students to recognize faculty and staff for their commitment to student development and success. Two awards will be given out, one focusing on student learning and the other on student success.

Student Learning Award: Katie O'Brien

Student Success Award: Staci Mueller

UNI C.A.R.E. Award

Awards are intended for UNI students, faculty, staff, organizations or programs that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to create a positive impact through sustainability at UNI or in the local community.

Kelly Biscoglia

Dr. Sue Follon Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes students for their leadership contributions during their tenure at UNI and potential to model leadership.

Geneva Bell

Beverly Funk Barnes Student Excellence Award 

This award recognizes students who continually create new value through dedication, passion, and creativity for the benefit of the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). Based on the principle of "Fred the mailman" from Denver, Colorado, this award focuses on rewarding UNI students whom embody "The Fred Factor." Fred is the rare type of person who is extraordinary who puts others before himself and looks for ways to improve the lives of others.

Madelyn Stepanek

Boots to Book Scholarship

Boots to Books is a program designed to help veterans transition to civilian life and the college environment. Although many military and veteran students are eligible for G.I. benefits, more than half of them are still in need of financial assistance. In an effort to support the educational endeavors of our military and veteran students, the Boots to Books scholarship was created by Military and Veterans Student Services.

Darrel O’Doss Boots to Books Scholarship: 
Carrick Johnson and Austin Wood

Iowa American Legion Scholarship: 
Keevan Jones and Marvin Carr

Robert J. Hibbs VFW Post 3896 Spouse or Dependent Scholarship: 
Rachel Stephany

American Legion Becker Chapman Post 138 Spouse or Dependent Scholarship: 
Samantha Dick

Drake Martin Gold Star Award

The Drake Martin Gold Star Award is the highest individual student honor in the residence system at the University of Northern Iowa. It is named in memory of Drake Martin. Drake worked at the University of Northern Iowa for 31 years. Drake brought creativity, compassion and enthusiasm to projects and initiatives that had a positive impact on students. His greatest influence over time was through individual interactions that challenged, affirmed and encouraged others. In all he did, Drake exemplified the qualities of those who are recognized with the Gold Star Award.

Mental Health Ally Award

The UNI Counseling Center, with the support of the Northern Iowa Student Government recognize individuals, programs, organizations or departments that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to mental health advocacy.

Kayla Kellogg

Emerging Philanthropist

The Emerging Philanthropist Award recognizes a student who is dedicated to giving their time, talent, and treasure to the university, their community or cause(s) of their choice and shows promise as a future philanthropic leader.

Nathanial Madden

Tinashe Chigudu

Promising Young Alumni Award

The Promising Young Alumni Award recognizes one or more seniors who demonstrate qualities desired of engaged alumni. A Promising Young Alumnus demonstrates their potential as a future alumni leader for the UNI community through their commitment to service, leadership, and pride while enrolled.

Kaylee Oskvig 

Savannah Soltero

Rising Global Star Leader Award

The Rising Global Star Leader Award is for students in any stage of their education and has made significant contributions to their department, unit, institution, organization, community, and the field of international education. The Rising Star will have demonstrated a commitment to internationalization and ingenuity of thought that has the potential to have a substantial and lasting influence on global education. 

Dinithi Ferdinando

Yanting Wang

Mahedi Islam

Award for Excellence in International Engagement

This can be awarded to UNI Students, Faculty, Staff, or Cedar Valley Community members. The nominees should be committed to promoting global understanding, research, and advocating for international exchange locally and globally. They should be an active participant with international students/scholars/dependents in the UNI community.  

Qingshan (Sam) Liang

Darci Jarnagin

Most Promising New Student Organization Award

New organizations are ones that have been started in the past year (August 2023). 

Language Exchange Club

Outdoor Education and Leadership Alliance

UNI Fraternity/Sorority Chapter of the Year

The Office of Student Involvement is committed to recognizing the great achievements of our fraternal organizations on campus. In order for a chapter to win, the chapter must be in good standing with the university, and not have any conduct issues in the 23/24 academic year. The Office of Student Involvement will evaluate all submissions and determine the Chapter of the Year based off criteria surrounding recruitment, community service, academics, and impact on the student body. 

Alpha Delta Pi

Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award

This award is designed to recognize a student organization advisor who has excelled and exemplified outstanding service, dedication, and leadership to the organization they advise.

Jordan Rockwell

Sarah Craw

Timothy Lindquist

Most Promising New Leader in a Student Organization Award

This award is designed to recognize a member in a student organization that has demonstrated emerging leadership in the organization, a commitment to developing their leadership ability, and has exceeded the expectations of the membership of the organization.

Ashlyn Utech

Mahedi Islam

Morgan Mescher

Tarik Miljkovic

Greek 360 Award

This award is intended to recognize a member of the UNI Fraternity & Sorority Life community who also is an outstanding member of other student organizations on campus.

Laura Harms

Outstanding Officer in a Student Organization Award

This award recognizes a student organization officer who provides exemplary service, commitment, and strong leadership to their student organization and UNI.

Jenna Heinen

Outstanding President in a Student Organization Award

This award recognizes a student organization president who has played a major role in the development and execution of their student organization.

Madison Duong

Sam Adams

Tienna Trettin

Student Organization Program of Distinction Award

This award is designed to recognize significant achievements by student organizations in the planning and implementation of programs, either a one-time event or a series of events marketed as a single program.

Halloween House

LGBTQ+ Ball: Glam and Gore

School of Music Welcome Event 2023

Student Organization of the Year Award

This award is designed to recognize a student organization that has exemplified excellence among its peers by contributing to the UNI community and fulfilling the mission of the organization.

Connecting Students to Alumni

International Student Promoters

UNIdos

Diversity Matters Award

Diversity describes the rich differences that people bring to the University of Northern Iowa community.  It can refer broadly to culture, identity and ideology, or more specifically to age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, gender identity, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, marital status, national origin, or veteran status.  Diversity is a dynamic concept, shaped by history, and change as our understanding of the world and its people evolves. The Diversity Matters Award is presented in recognition of dedication and service to the University of Northern Iowa in advancement of its diversity-related goals.

Students of Gender Sexuality Services

UNIdos

Dr. Charlotte West Scholar-Athlete Award

The Missouri Valley Conference will present the Dr. Charlotte West Award annually, to one female and one male student-athlete who have completed intercollegiate eligibility in their primary sport, to recognize outstanding achievement in academics, athletics, service and leadership. Nominees from UNI will be recognized at the Student Leadership Awards.

Griffin Parker

Samantha Heyer

Outstanding Student Leader Award

The Outstanding Student Leader Award is designed to recognize students who have demonstrated dedication and leadership through their involvement in one or more campus activities.

Servant Leadership Award

The Servant Leadership Award recognizes those who have worked for the common good while putting the needs of others first.

Lux Service Award

The Lux Service Award is the most prestigious award given to graduating senior students each academic year to acknowledge the culmination of their overall involvement. Recipients consistently go above and beyond, leaving a lasting legacy upon graduation.

Emily Clouser

Noah Hackbart

Diamond Roundtree

Panther Pantry Awards:

Student Organizations:

National Residence Hall Honorary  UNI Supports of the Army UNI ROTC

Student Volunteers:

Sierra Mathison 

Northern Iowa Student Government Above and Beyond Awards

These awards are given by students to recognize faculty and staff for their commitment to student development and success. Two awards will be given out, one focusing on student learning and the other on student success.

Student Learning Award: Sarina Chen

Student Success Award: Lisa Jepsen

UNI C.A.R.E. Award

Awards are intended for UNI students, faculty, staff, organizations or programs that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to create a positive impact through sustainability at UNI or in the local community.

Brittany Costello

Raquel Zehr

Geography Club

Dr. Sue Follon Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes students for their leadership contributions during their tenure at UNI and potential to model leadership for women.

Savanna Jemilo

Beverly Funk Barnes Student Excellence Award 

This award recognizes students who continually create new value through dedication, passion, and creativity for the benefit of the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). Based on the principle of "Fred the mailman" from Denver, Colorado, this award focuses on rewarding UNI students whom embody "The Fred Factor." Fred is the rare type of person who is extraordinary who puts others before himself and looks for ways to improve the lives of others.

Nkasa Bolumbu

Boots to Book Scholarship

Boots to Books is a program designed to help veterans transition to civilian life and the college environment. Although many military and veteran students are eligible for G.I. benefits, more than half of them are still in need of financial assistance. In an effort to support the educational endeavors of our military and veteran students, the Boots to Books scholarship was created by Military and Veterans Student Services.

Drake Martin Gold Star Award

The Drake Martin Gold Star Award is the highest individual student honor in the residence system at the University of Northern Iowa. It is named in memory of Drake Martin. Drake worked at the University of Northern Iowa for 31 years. Drake brought creativity, compassion and enthusiasm to projects and initiatives that had a positive impact on students. His greatest influence over time was through individual interactions that challenged, affirmed and encouraged others. In all he did, Drake exemplified the qualities of those who are recognized with the Gold Star Award.

Newman Civic Fellow Award

The Newman Civic Fellowship is awarded to an inspiring group of community-committed students who are already making an impact in communities where they live, learn, and serve. One University of Northern Iowa student is selected to represent the institution among the 290 community-committed students representing Campus Compact member colleges and universities.

Lexi Gause 

Mental Health Ally Award

The UNI Counseling Center, with the support of the Northern Iowa Student Government, is seeking nominations for the first annual Mental Health Ally Award. We encourage you to nominate individuals, programs, organizations or departments that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to mental health advocacy.

Active Minds

Krista Zimmer

Emerging Philanthropist

The Emerging Philanthropist Award recognizes a student who is dedicated to giving their time, talent, and treasure to the university, their community or cause(s) of their choice and shows promise as a future philanthropic leader.

Emily Clouser 

Promising Young Alumni Award

The Promising Young Alumni Award recognizes one or more seniors who demonstrate qualities desired of engaged alumni. A Promising Young Alumnus demonstrates their potential as a future alumni leader for the UNI community through their commitment to service, leadership, and pride while enrolled.

Caleb Gehle

Hanna Kendall

Rising Global Star Leader Award

The Rising Global Star Leader Award is for students in any stage of their education and has made significant contributions to their department, unit, institution, organization, community, and the field of international education. The Rising Star will have demonstrated a commitment to internationalization and ingenuity of thought that has the potential to have a substantial and lasting influence on global education. 

Gracie Touvelle

Ava Deitrich

Award for Excellence in International Engagement

This can be awarded to UNI Students, Faculty, Staff, or Cedar Valley Community members. The nominees should be committed to promoting global understanding, research, and advocating for international exchange locally and globally. They should be an active participant with international students/scholars/dependents in the UNI community. All criteria and nomination form found here. 

David Glenn-Burns

Christine Schrage

Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award

This award is designed to recognize a student organization advisor who has excelled and exemplified outstanding service, dedication, and leadership to the organization they advise.

Olivia Umbaugh

Paul Lee

Most Promising New Leader in a Student Organization Award

This award is designed to recognize a member in a student organization that has demonstrated emerging leadership in the organization, a commitment to developing their leadership ability, and has exceeded the expectations of the membership of the organization.

Ayanna Reckman

Ryan Connolly

Greek 360 Award

This award is intended to recognize a member of the UNI Fraternity & Sorority Life community who also is an outstanding member of other student organizations on campus.

Cassie Williams

Emma Pellegrino

Outstanding Officer in a Student Organization Award

This award recognizes a student organization officer who provides exemplary service, commitment, and strong leadership to their student organization and UNI.

Samantha Hilbert

Lizbeth Garcia

Payton Ahrenstorff

Outstanding President in a Student Organization Award

This award recognizes a student organization president who has played a major role in the development and execution of their student organization.

Heidi Bantz

JuanDaniel Lopez

Student Organization Program of Distinction Award

This award is designed to recognize significant achievements by student organizations in the planning and implementation of programs, either a one-time event or a series of events marketed as a single program.

Dragaganza 2022 

Student Organization of the Year Award

This award is designed to recognize a student organization that has exemplified excellence among its peers by contributing to the UNI community and fulfilling the mission of the organization.

Transfer Advocacy and Involvement Group

The Northern Iowan

Diversity Matters Award

The Diversity Matters Award is presented in recognition of dedication and service to the University of Northern Iowa in advancement of its diversity-related goals.

African Student Union

Azra Papakee

Dr. Charlotte West Scholar-Athlete Award

The Missouri Valley Conference will present the Dr. Charlotte West Award annually, to one female and one male student-athlete who have completed intercollegiate eligibility in their primary sport, to recognize outstanding achievement in academics, athletics, service and leadership. Nominees from UNI will be recognized at the Student Leadership Awards.

Carly Spies

Kyle Biscoglia

Outstanding Student Leader Award

The Outstanding Student Leader Award is designed to recognize students who have demonstrated dedication and leadership through their involvement in one or more campus activities.

Servant Leadership Award

The Servant Leadership Award recognizes those who have worked for the common good while putting the needs of others first.

Lux Service Award

The Lux Service Award is the most prestigious award given to graduating senior students each academic year to acknowledge the culmination of their overall involvement. Recipients consistently go above and beyond, leaving a lasting legacy upon graduation.

Nixson Benitez

Esha Jayswal

Leila Masinovic

‌UNI CARE Award

CARE (Creating A Responsible Environment) Awards are intended for UNI students, faculty, staff, organizations or programs that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to and positive impact on a sustainable future.

Lily Conrad

Dr. Sue Follon Scholarship for Women in Leadership

This scholarship recognizes students for their leadership contributions during their tenure at UNI and potential to model leadership for women.

Shaylyn Trenkamp

Boots to Books Scholarship Recipient

Boots to Books is a program designed to help veterans transition to civilian life and the college environment. Although many military and veteran students are eligible for G.I. benefits, more than half of them are still in need of financial assistance. In an effort to support the educational endeavors of our military and veteran students, the Boots to Books scholarship was created.

Connor Grunwald

Drake Martin Gold Star Awards

This award is given to student leaders for outstanding contributions to on-campus living at UNI. This is the highest residential leadership award at UNI and has been presented annually since 1989.

Kate O'Dell

Cameron Amos

Dr. Charlotte West Scholar-Athlete West Award

The Missouri Valley Conference will present the Dr. Charlotte West Award annually, to one female and one male student-athlete who have completed intercollegiate eligibility in their primary sport, to recognize outstanding achievement in academics, athletics, services and leadership. Nominees from UNI are recognized at the Student Leadership Awards.

Crystal Florman, Women's Swimming and Diving

Isaac Holtz, Men's Track and Field

NISG Above and Beyond Awards

These awards are given by students to recognize faculty and staff for their commitment to student development and success. Two awards will be given out, one focusing on student learning and the other on student success. 

Student Success Award - Allyson Rafanello

Student Learning Award - Ronnie Chen

Most Promising New Leader in a Student Organization

This award is designed to recognize a member in a student organization that has demonstrated emerging leadership in the organization, a commitment to developing his/her leadership ability, and has exceeded the expectations of the membership of the organization.

Joel Gan, International Student Promoters

Student Organization Advisor of the Year

This award is designed to recognize a student organization advisor who has excelled and exemplified outstanding service, dedication, and leadership to the organization to distinguish itself.

Ashley Adams, Campus Activities Board, Service & Leadership Council, and Panther Pantry

Student Organization Program of Distinction

This award is designed to recognize significant achievements by student organizations in the planning and presentation of programs.

"A Rabbi, A Pastor, and An Imam: Stronger Together" (presented by Muslim Students Association)

I Love Female Orgasm (presented by Campus Activities Board)

International Student Preview Day (presented by International Student Promoters)

‌Greek 360 Award

This award is intended to recognize a member of the UNI Fraternity & Sorority Life community who also is an outstanding member of other student organizations on campus and contributes to the community.

Meghan Joens, Alpha Delta Pi

Caleb Gipple, Sigma Phi Epsilon

Most Promising New Student Organization

his award is designed to recognize a new student organization that has demonstrated significant motivation, creativity, innovation, and perseverance.

Readers Today Leaders Tomorrow

Student Organization of the Year

This award is designed to recognize a student organization that has exemplified excellence among its peers in the dedication and development of its members, and its contributions to the campus community and beyond.

Muslim Students Association

Diversity Matters Award

The Diversity Matters Award is presented in recognition of dedication and service to the Univesrity of Northern Iowa in advancement of its diversity-related goals.

Nadir Khan

Scott Schwartz

Yakira Sanders

Servant Leader Award

The Servant Leader Award recognizes those who have worked for the common good while putting the needs of others first.

Outstanding Student Leader

The Outstanding Student Leader Award is designed to recognize students who have demonstrated dedication and leadership through their involvement in one or more campus activities.

Lux Service Award

The Lux Service Award is the most prestigious award given to graduating senior students each academic year to acknowledge the culmination of their overall involvement. Recipients consistently go above and beyond, leaving a lasting legacy upon graduation.

Clare Flattery

Dominique Jefferson

Yakira Sanders

‌UNI CARE Awards

CARE (Creating A Responsible Environment) Awards are intended for UNI students, faculty, staff, organizations or programs that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to and positive impact on a sustainable future.

Tyler Dursky

Gabriella Ruggiero

Dr. Sue Follon Scholarship for Women in Leadership

This scholarship recognizes students for their leadership contributions during their tenure at UNI and potential to model leadership for women.

Estefania Ravasio Corrales

Boots to Books Scholarship Recipients

Boots to Books is a program designed to help veterans transition to civilian life and the college environment. Although many military and veteran students are eligible for G.I. benefits, more than half of them are still in need of financial assistance. In an effort to support the educational endeavors of our military and veteran students, the Boots to Books scholarship was created.

Cole T. Passick

Jennifer Marrero

Drake Martin Gold Star Awards

This award is given to student leaders for outstanding contributions to on-campus living at UNI. This is the highest residential leadership award at UNI and has been presented annually since 1989.

Dr. Charlotte West Scholar-Athlete West Award

The Missouri Valley Conference will present the Dr. Charlotte West Award annually, to one female and one male student-athlete who have completed intercollegiate eligibility in their primary sport, to recognize outstanding achievement in academics, athletics, services and leadership. Nominees from UNI are recognized at the Student Leadership Awards.

Molly Lembezeder, Women's Swimming and Diving

NISG Above and Beyond Awards

These awards are given by students to recognize faculty and staff for their commitment to student development and success. Two awards will be given out, one focusing on student learning and the other on student success. 

Student Success Award - Andrew Morse

Student Learning Award - Heidi Noonan-Day

Most Promising New Leader in a Student Organization

This award is designed to recognize a member in a student organization that has demonstrated emerging leadership in the organization, a commitment to developing his/her leadership ability, and has exceeded the expectations of the membership of the organization.

Caleb Gipple, Sigma Phi Epsilon

Student Organization Advisor of the Year

This award is designed to recognize a student organization advisor who has excelled and exemplified outstanding service, dedication, and leadership to the organization to distinguish itself.

Suzanne Dripps, National Student Speech Language Hearing Association

Student Organization Program of Distinction

This award is designed to recognize significant achievements by student organizations in the planning and presentation of programs.

Out of Many, One - Middle Level Leadership Conference (presented by Student Association of Middle Level Educators)

Halloween House (presented by Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society)

‌Greek 360 Award

This award is intended to recognize a member of the UNI Fraternity & Sorority Life community who also is an outstanding member of other student organizations on campus and contributes to the community.

Matthew Johnson, Sigma Phi Epsilon

Rachel Kerger, Alpha Xi Delta

Most Promising New Student Organization

This award is designed to recognize a new student organization that has demonstrated significant motivation, creativity, innovation, and perseverance.

Student Life Team

Student Organization of the Year

This award is designed to recognize a student organization that has exemplified excellence among its peers in the dedication and development of its members, and its contributions to the campus community and beyond.

National Student Speech Language Hearing Association

Diversity Matters Award

The Diversity Matters Award is presented in recognition of dedication and service to the Univesrity of Northern Iowa in advancement of its diversity-related goals.

Melanie Majeed

Morgan Bear

Servant Leader Award

The Servant Leader Award recognizes those who have worked for the common good while putting the needs of others first.

Outstanding Student Leader

The Outstanding Student Leader Award is designed to recognize students who have demonstrated dedication and leadership through their involvement in one or more campus activities.

Lux Service Award

The Lux Service Award is the most prestigious award given to graduating senior students each academic year to acknowledge the culmination of their overall involvement. Recipients consistently go above and beyond, leaving a lasting legacy upon graduation.

Hunter Flesch

Meghan Busswitz

Jamal White

‌Greek 360 Award

This award is intended to recognize a member of the UNI Fraternity & Sorority Life community who also is an outstanding member of other student organizations on campus and contributes to the community.

Jared Riter, Sigma Phi Epsilon

Most Promising New Student Organization

This award is designed to recognize a new student organization that has demonstrated significant motivation, creativity, innovation, and perseverance.

United Dance Company

Student Organization of the Year

This award is designed to recognize a student organization that has exemplified excellence among its peers in the dedication and development of its members, and its contributions to the campus community and beyond.

International Student Promoters

Diversity Matters Award

The Diversity Matters Award is presented in recognition of dedication and service to the University of Northern Iowa in advancement of its diversity-related goals.

Juana Hollingsworth

Emily Hummel

Servant Leader Award

The Servant Leader Award recognizes those who have worked for the common good while putting the needs of others first.

Outstanding Student Leader

The Outstanding Student Leader Award is designed to recognize students who have demonstrated dedication and leadership through their involvement in one or more campus activities.

Lux Service Award

The Lux Service Award is the most prestigious award given to graduating senior students each academic year to acknowledge the culmination of their overall involvement. Recipients consistently go above and beyond, leaving a lasting legacy upon graduation.

Megan Kennedy

Kadesha Zimmerman

Micha Zeimetz

UNI C.A.R.E. Awards

C.A.R.E. (Creating A Responsible Environment) Awards are intended for UNI students, faculty, staff, organizations or programs that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to and positive impact on a sustainable future .

Katie Young

Julie Grunklee

NextGen Climate Action Iowa - UNI Chapter

Drake Martin Gold Star Awards

This award is given to student leaders for outstanding contributions to on-campus living at UNI. This is the highest residential leadership award at UNI and has been presented annually since 1989.

Student Employee of the Year

Whether it is welcoming new students during orientation or making cookies in the bakery—we simply could not provide all the great services at UNI without the nearly 4,000 student employees. Every year supervisors are asked to nominate their exemplary students for Student Employee of the Year. The finalists are selected based on the impact of their contribution, their initiative, professionalism and quality of work.

Kayla Peterson

Student Organization Emerging Leader of the Year

This award is designed to recognize a member in a student organization that has demonstrated emerging leadership in the organization, a commitment to developing their own leadership ability, and has exceeded the expectations of the membership of the organization.

Student Organization Advisor of the Year

This award is designed to recognize a student organization advisor who has excelled and exemplified outstanding service, dedication, and leadership to the organization to distinguish itself.

Paul Sapp

Student Organization Program of Distinction

This award is designed to recognize significant achievements by student organizations in the planning and presentation of programs.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (presented by Service & Leadership Council)

Adopt a Platoon (presented by UNI Veterans Association)

Dr. Sue Follon Scholarship for Women in Leadership

This scholarship recognizes students for their leadership contributions during their tenure at UNI and potential to model leadership for women.

Gabriella Ruggiero

Student Organization of the Year

This award is designed to recognize a student organization that has exemplified excellence among its peers in the dedication and development of its members, and its contributions to the campus community and beyond.

National Student Speech Language Hearing Association - UNI Chapter

Servant Leader Award

The Servant Leader Award recognizes those who have worked for the common good while putting the needs of others first.

Outstanding Student Leader

The Outstanding Student Leader Award is designed to recognize students who have demonstrated dedication and leadership through their involvement in one or more campus activities.

Lux Service Award

The Lux Service Award is the most prestigious award given to graduating senior students each academic year to acknowledge the culmination of their overall involvement. Recipients consistently go above and beyond, leaving a lasting legacy upon graduation.

Paul Andersen

Hansen Breitling

Joellen Hatchett