Group photo of students at the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare Recognition Ceremony

Student Achievement Awards

Undergraduate Student Award in Criminal Justice & Criminology

  • Variable amount; minimum $500
  • Awarded to a student majoring in Criminal Justice & Criminology who has demonstrated excellence in the classroom and who has shown a commitment to promoting criminal justice through volunteer and / or field work in the community.
  • Requirements: Nominee must be enrolled in the fall 2022 semester in the same program and have a GPA of 3.25 or above.

Undergraduate Student Award in Social Work

  • $1,000; Minimum of 1 award
  • Awarded to a student majoring in Social Work who has demonstrated excellence in the classroom and who has shown a commitment to promoting social justice through volunteer and / or field work in the community.
  • Requirements: Nominee must be enrolled in the fall 2022 semester in the same program and have a GPA of 3.25 or above.

Graduate Student Award in Criminal Justice

  • Variable amount; minimum $500
  • Awarded to a master’s student majoring in Criminal Justice & Criminology who has demonstrated academic excellence. Other contributions to the school and to criminal justice in the community may also be considered.
  • Requirements: Nominee must be enrolled in the fall 2022 semester in the same program and have a GPA of 3.5 or above.

Graduate Student Award in Social Work

  • $1,000; Minimum of 1 award
  • Awarded to a master’s student in Social Work who has demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to service through volunteer and / or field work in the community.
  • Requirements: Nominee must be enrolled in the fall 2022 semester in the same program and have a GPA of 3.5 or above.

Community Awards

Agency Research Collaboration Award

Eligible nominees include all community agencies that collaborate with HBSSW researchers. The Agency Research Collaboration Award recognizes a community agency for its outstanding contribution to the research endeavors of HBSSW.

Innovation Award

Eligible nominees include faculty, staff, an individual, organization, or community partner. This award celebrates someone (or a group) who has promoted student engagement through technology and collaboration among learning partners. Your nominee may be your co-worker, a peer, your supervisor, advisor, or those in the greater community that have helped you thrive or survive this year.

Social Justice Award

Eligible nominees include faculty, staff, an individual, organization, or community partner. This award recognizes outstanding individuals or groups who have demonstrated exemplary commitment in promoting social justice within the university and/or in partnership with community organizations.

To the Moon and Back Award

Eligible nominees include faculty, staff, an individual, organization, or community partner. Has someone across the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee campus been a source of extra support, care, or assistance to you during the Covid pandemic? The HBSSW Awards Committee would like to celebrate individuals or organizations on campus that have helped you succeed during these unprecedented times.

One of the fundamental ingredients of a successful organization is the dedication, commitment and unwavering effort of the individuals working within and for the organization. Your nominee may be your co-worker, a peer, your supervisor, advisor, or those in the greater community that have helped you thrive or survive this year.


Faculty & Staff Awards

Mentor of the Year Award

Eligible nominees include all HBSSW faculty, staff, lecturers, and instructors who provide instruction to students, alumni, or community partners. The Mentor of the Year Award recognizes an individual who provided exemplary support and effort in mentoring a student or colleague.

Outstanding Research Award

Eligible nominees include all HBSSW faculty and staff, including research scientists, post-doctoral students, and professors (assistant, associate, and full). The Outstanding Research Award recognizes excellence in research and/or scholarship as demonstrated by a body of work that makes an exceptional contribution to the knowledge base of their chosen field of study.

Outstanding Service Award

Eligible nominees include all HBSSW faculty, staff, lecturers, and instructors who provide instruction to students, alumni, or community partners. The award recognizes either school service (an individual who has made significant contributions to the development and operations of the school and/or university) or community service (an individual who has made significant contributions to the development, provision, and/or coordination of community services in the Milwaukee area).

Outstanding Teaching Award

Eligible nominees include all HBSSW faculty, staff, lecturers, and instructors who provide instruction to students, alumni, or community partners. The Outstanding Teaching Award recognizes an individual for their excellence and innovation in teaching.

Random Acts of Kindness Award

Eligible nominees include faculty, staff, an individual, organization, or community partner. Kindness is contagious! Here’s a way to thank someone who helped you out – nominate them for the Dean’s Random Act of Kindness Award (RAK).