Student Excellence Awards
The Student Excellence Awards ceremony at UW-Milwaukee is an annual celebration of outstanding contributions to the campus community. This event honors the dedication, leadership, and impact of individuals and groups who inspire positive change, foster inclusion, and enhance the student experience. From students and organizations to employees and professional staff, the ceremony recognizes those who go above and beyond to create a vibrant, supportive, and engaged campus environment. Join us as we celebrate the achievements that make UW-Milwaukee exceptional.
Nominations are open from January 19th – March 6th
Date: April 27th, 2026
Time: 4:00-5:15 pm, doors open at 3:30 pm
Place: Union Ballroom
Categories
Individual Award Categories
Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award
This award recognizes an undergraduate student who exemplifies excellence at UW-Milwaukee. The recipient is a full-time student with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, who has made significant contributions to multiple areas of campus life, including academics, leadership, and community engagement. They have demonstrated a commitment to involvement in a variety of campus activities, serving as a role model for their peers.
Outstanding Graduate Student Award
This award honors a graduate student who has shown outstanding dedication to UW-Milwaukee. The recipient is a full-time student with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, who has excelled in academics, leadership, and community service. Their involvement across various activities on campus showcases their commitment to enhancing the university experience. Priority will be given to students with high levels of involvement in extra-curriculars.
Student Organization Leader of the Year
This award celebrates a student organization leader who has consistently gone above and beyond in their role. The recipient has demonstrated excellence in leadership, made significant contributions to their organization, and helped others grow within the group. Their efforts have left a lasting impact on their organization and the broader campus community.
Agent of Change Award
This award recognizes a student whose work has led to meaningful, positive change on campus or in the community. The recipient has actively contributed to a cause that improves the lives of others, leaving a measurable impact on UW-Milwaukee, the local community, or beyond.
Student Organization Award Categories
Emerging Student Organization Award
This award highlights a recently established student organization that has made a notable impact within its first four semesters. The organization has demonstrated strong involvement in the UW-Milwaukee community, shown a commitment to growth, and displaced potential for continued success.
Student Organization of the Year Award
This award recognizes a student organization that has demonstrated expectational dedication to campus life. Through meaningful programming and engagement, the organization has made a significant impact on students, the local community, or beyond, while staying true to its mission and vision.
Inclusive Impact Award
This award honors a student organization that has championed inclusivity through its programming, policies, and practices. The organization has fostered diverse representation, hosted inclusive events, and modeled behaviors that promote belonging within the group and on campus.
Event of the Year Award
This award celebrates a student organization for planning and executing an outstanding campus event. The event successfully engaged participants, fostered a sense of community, and created a unique and impactful experience. Collaboration with others outside the organization further enhanced the event’s success.
Student Employee Awards Categories
Outstanding Student Employee Award
This award recognizes a student employee who has consistently exceeded expectations in their role. The recipient has demonstrated initiative, productivity, and a commitment to excellence, contributing significantly to the success of their department or unit.
Service with Heart Award
This award honors a student employee who exemplifies a positive attitude and team spirit. The recipient consistently provides exceptional customer service with care and professionalism, showing reliability and a friendly, supportive demeanor.
Rising Star Award
This award is given to a first-year student employee who has quickly excelled in their role. The recipient has demonstrated exceptional position, exceeded expectations, and consistently delivered high-quality work during their initial year of employment.
Professional Staff Award Categories
Student Org Advisor of the Year
This award acknowledges a student organization advisor who has made a significant impact on their group. The recipient has encouraged students to take leadership roles, provided guidance and support, and consistently contributed to the organization’s success. Priority will be given to advisors who worked with student orgs when it was not the primary responsibility of their role.
Professional Staff Impact Award
This recognition is awarded to a professional staff that create positive change, influence, and support for student ideas and goals. Recipients of this award inspire students to dream big and rise to their fullest potential while providing exceptional support to students on campus.
Award Winners
Individual Awards
Student Org Advisor of the Year – Dr. Julia Snethen
Student Org Leader of the Year – Jaiden Lefeber, William (Otto) Ives, Kimberlee Berger and Brennen Stevens
Agent of Change Award – Carol Martinez and Dulmini Nadeesha Jayawardana
Outstanding Graduate Student Award – Rashida Parveen, Telemachos Agoudemos and Abul Borkot Md Rafiqul Hasan
Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award – Lia Smith, Lily Bretl and Andrew Tillman
Student Organization Awards
Inclusive Impact Award – Signing Student Association
Event of the Year Award – Public Hearing’s Acapella Showcase
Student Organization of the Year Award – Society of Women Engineers, Nursing Student Association, Student Social Work Association and Arab American Association of Engineers and Architects (AAAEA)
Student Employee Awards
Outstanding Student Employee Award – Jack Koshkin, Laura Czapiewski, Gwen Knutson and Abby Lawler
Rising Star Award – Suru Grayson and Brianna Hartley
Service with Heart Award – Josh Thone, Kalyan Krueger Olson and Blair Lewis
Individual Awards
Student Org Advisor of the Year – Jennifer Taylor-McBride
Student Org Leader of the Year – Lexy Lunger and Alexandra Lynch
Exemplary Leadership Award – Madelaine Ledwitch and Daniela Perez-Ramirez
Agent of Change Award – Xia Lowery and Molly Stilling
Outstanding Graduate Student Award – Aubrie Gorski and Sreeteja Tummala (TJ)
Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award – Abhiroop Reddy Tokala and Drew Skyberg
Student Organization Awards
Civic Responsibility Award – Red Cross Club at UWM
Community Impact of the Year Award – Society of Women Engineers
Program of the Year Award – American Marketing Association’s Inaugural Regional Conference
Emerging Student Organization Award – Minority Women Entrepreneurship
Outstanding Student Organization Award – National Society of Black Engineers and Student Social Work Association
Student Employee Awards
Students Serving Students – Bebe Grimaldo and Tori Garner
Above and Beyond the Call – Lizzie King and Peter Mathu
Rising Stars – Elizabeth Enoch and Wendy Lor
Most Valuable Player – Emma Linhares and Vaishali (V)
Inclusion & Advocacy – Juliana Lara
Individual Awards
Student Org Advisor of the Year: Dr. Marissa Jablonski
Student Org Leader of the Year: Meredith Williams and Chandler Baures
Exemplary Leadership Award: Alex Nelson and Mia Heredia
Agent of Change Award: Bailee Jones and Rebecca Plourd
Outstanding Graduating Student Award: Kay Popian and Mike Levandowski
Outstanding First Year Student Award: Noah Fritz and Eve Van De Hey
Outstanding Transfer Student Award: Meghan Dincler and Alexandra Lynch
Organizational Awards
Civic Responsibility Award: Pinky Swear Pack
Community Impact of the Year Award: Multicultural Greek Council
Program of the Year Award: Student Association at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
New Student Organization Award: Panther Radio
Outstanding Student Organization Award: Alpha Omicron Pi
Student Employee Awards
Students Serving Students: Nyia Mays and Eli Norlander
Above and Beyond the Call: Jo Fox and Mya Johannes
Rising Stars: Sydney Loechler and Liam Farin
Most Valuable Player: Angela Rattin and Mitra Malekghasemi
Inclusion & Advocacy: Alexander Rietmann and Emma Bunge
Individual Awards
Student Org. Advisor of the Year: Rachael Schaser
Student Org. Leader of the Year: Caleb Hawkins, Cederick Antonio, & Joey Elizabeth O’Neill
Exemplary Leadership Award: Kirsten Sanford & Clarence Kinnard
Agent of Change Award: Silbi Isein, Shannon Ross, & Meghan Garvin
Panther Spirit Award: Angela Rattin
Outstanding First-Year Student: Amanda Holzer
Outstanding Transfer Student: Alex Renier
Outstanding Graduating Student: Emma Mae Weber & Paul Newcomb for graduating undergraduate students and Teresa Serna for a graduate student
Organizational Awards
Civic Responsibility of the Year: Zeta Sigma Chi Multicultural Sorority, Incorporated
Community Impact of the Year: Delta Sigma Pi
Program of the Year: TEDxUWMilwaukee & Student Housing Administrative Council for Social Justice Week
Outstanding Student Organization of the Year: Zeta Sigma Chi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. and Panther Activities Committee
Student Employee Awards
Above and Beyond the Call: Jamie Sparks, Luke Koltun, & Payton Steckert
Most Valuable Player: Jenna Woodson
Inclusion & Advocacy: Hadiya Johnson
Rising Star: Lila Nezhad-Reshadi
Students Serving Students: Ida Lucchesi & Runa Storheil
Individual Awards
Outstanding First Year Student: Maggie Altman
Outstanding Transfer Student: Bailey Kissack
Panther Spirit Award: Juliana Rattin
Exemplary Leadership Award: Alyssa Fischer & Markia Silverman-Rodriquez
Agent of Change Award: Camron Blau & Jacquelynn Parmley
Student Org Leader of the Year: Sydney Stauffer
Student Organization Advisor of the Year: Rachael Amick
Outstanding Graduating Students: Connor Mathias & Jennifer Woo
Organizational Awards
New Student Organization of the Year: Student Association of India
Community Impact of the Year: College Democrats
Civic Responsibility Award: Love your Melon
Program of the Year: Pow Wow American Indian Association
Outstanding Student Organizations: Sigma Chi and Hmong Student Association
Student Employee Awards
Rising Star Award: Jake Bartz
Above and Beyond the Call: Chris Jones, Mallory Ostrander, Alivia Blank, and Mandy Rice
Student Serving Students: Bescent Ebeid, Klara Schaibly, and Olivia Krause
Most Valuable Players: Tasha Sook and Hunter Schuyler
Inclusion and Advocacy: Mia Valenzuela and Danielle Paswaters
Nomination Guidelines
There are a few guidelines to know before submitting your nomination that help ensure your success in the process.
General Information
- Quality Over Quantity: When submitting a nomination:
- Thoughtful and detailed submissions are preferred over the number of submissions.
- For example, one 5-sentence submission is preferred to five 1-sentence submissions.
- Self-Nomination: You are allowed to nominate yourself!
- Please write self-nominations in 1st person.
- Describe how you have met the qualifications of the award.
- AI Use: AI is allowed but use with caution.
- It can help you get started.
- Award Reviewers can tell when a nomination is written by AI.
- We strongly recommend you make it your own by using your voice.
- Verifications: We will be verifying all nominated students are enrolled at UWM. We will be verifying that all student organizations are currently registered and in good standing with UWM.
Before You Begin
- Award Criteria: Please review linked award criteria. This allows you to prepare outside of the nomination form. The nominator will need to know which award they are nominating for prior to accessing the form.
- Preparation: Once you start the form, you’ll need to finish it the same session. Please have the following items prepared ahead of starting the nomination form:
- Name & email of the nominator and nominee/organization.
- A nomination statement that is at least 300 characters long.
- Any optional supporting documentation or photos you’d like to include.
Tips for Writing an Excellent Nomination
Introduction: When writing you should:
- Begin with a compelling hook.
- Capture the reviewer’s attention.
- Have a positive tone.
- Show passion and excitement for the nominee.
Background: Your summary of the nominee’s background should these components:
- Highlight how they excelled in:
- Their role.
- Responsibilities.
- Any relevant achievements or contributions.
- Lay down a solid foundation on who the nominee is to then build them up throughout your nomination.
Achievement Overview: Be clear and concise.
- Be specific about:
- Achievements.
- Actions.
- Contributions.
Impact on the Team/Project: Make sure to clearly describe:
- How the nominee positively impacted and influenced the team and/or project.
- Please speak about how they’ve overcome:
- Challenges.
- Pitfalls.
- Overall team improvement by the nominee.
- Give specific examples that support them.
Unique Qualities and Contributions: Identify and delve into:
- How the nominee is unique.
- Their unique qualifications for the award.
- Their skills, approaches, or personality that set them apart.
- Include examples that demonstrate their exceptional qualities.
Personal Testimonials or Anecdotes: Include quotes or anecdotes from team members or others. Examples should show:
- Nominee’s positive impact.
- Knowledge of the nominee’s contributions.
- Use your personal voice.
- Passion and excitement for the nominee.
Consistency and Long-Term Impact: Speak on how the nominee:
- Has demonstrated consistent excellence.
- Routinely goes above and beyond.
- How their contributions have had a lasting impact on the team/project.
- Highlight any ongoing efforts that showcase their commitment.
Alignment with Award Criteria: Remember to:
- Be clear and concise.
- Talk about how the nominee aligns with the specific qualifications for the award.
- Give specific examples that directly relate to each of the qualifications.
Conclusion: Wrap up your nomination with:
- A summary of the key points.
- Why the nominee is an outstanding candidate for the award.
- A finishing statement.
Award Nomination Example
This is an example of what an exemplary nomination looks like, submissions should not bear a significant resemblance to this example.
I am thrilled to recommend Alex Williams, our Campus Events Coordinator, for the Student Leadership Excellence Award. Alex has shown exemplary leadership and organizational skills in spearheading various campus events throughout the academic year. Notably, the successful execution of the annual Spring Festival, which saw a record-breaking attendance of 500 students, is a testament to Alex’s dedication and event management acumen. Beyond the quantitative achievements, Alex’s ability to collaborate effectively with student groups, engage diverse perspectives, and ensure inclusive programming has significantly enriched the campus community. Colleagues, including fellow student leaders and faculty advisor Professor Rodriguez, praise Alex for their tireless efforts, positive demeanor, and creative event concepts that resonate with the student body. Alex’s continuous commitment to enhancing campus life, coupled with their initiative in mentoring new event planning committee members, exemplifies the leadership qualities sought after by the Student Leadership Excellence Award. I am confident that Alex’s impact on campus and their embodiment of leadership excellence make them an outstanding candidate for this prestigious recognition. For any further information or inquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact me.