Student Excellence Awards

Nominate your fellow outstanding students and organizations who exhibit leadership and exceptional contributions to life at UWM!  Nominations are due Friday, March 10, 2023 (deadline was extended!).

Click here for the Nomination Form

The Nomination Form only accepts one nomination at a time.
If you would like to nominate more than one person/organization, click on the link again to submit another.

The event will be held on Monday,
May 1, 2023
at 4:00pm in the Union Ballroom


2022 Winners

Individual Award Categories

Student Org Advisor of the Year- Kaci Crowley

This award is presented to an organization’s advisor (faculty/staff) who has gone beyond the call of duty to support and advise their organization(s).

Student Org Leader of the Year- Tanasia Shaw

This award is presented to a member of a registered student organization that has taken on a positional leadership role within the group.  This individual will have gone out of their way and beyond their positional duties to support the success of the organization and its members.

Exemplary Leadership Award- Sommer Schneider

This award is presented to a student who has been selected by their peers to assume leadership positions in his/her own area. The recipients will have exhibited growth and development as a leader and been involved in campus and community organizations.

Agent of Change Award- Amillia Heredia

This award is presented to a student whose work and/or service has led to positive, measurable change for our campus and/or community.  Their work may include actively contributing to a cause that improves the lives of others.

Panther Spirit Award- Alex Klug

This award will be given to a student who exemplifies outstanding school spirit. The recipient of this award displays pride as a dedicated member of our community who has contributed to campus pride in a variety of areas.

Outstanding Graduating Student Award- Edgardo Valdes

This award is presented to a student that is graduating in 2022, who has exhibited a strong commitment to UW-Milwaukee in multiple areas of campus life.  They are recognized for their academic excellence, leadership, contributions to their community, and exceptional achievements during their time at UW-Milwaukee.

Outstanding First Year Student Award- Alexis Hardrath

This award is presented to a first-year student that has exhibited outstanding leadership skills within their respective organization or on campus.  This student does not have to have a defined leadership position.

Outstanding Transfer Student Award- Isaiah Clark

This award is presented to a new transfer student that has exhibited outstanding leadership skills within their respective organization or on campus.  This student does not have to have a defined leadership position.

Student Organization Award Categories

Civic Responsibility Award- Gamma Phi Beta

This award is presented to a student organization that has shown service in a variety of agencies or exemplary service to one organization, and a consistent history of service to others within the UWM and/or Milwaukee communities.  Service can be measured in hours served, dollars raised, or another metric related to the impact from the organization.

Community Impact of the Year Award- Student Nursing Association

This award is presented to an organization that has created a positive, measurable impact on our campus and/or community.  This impact is encouraged to embody the UW-Milwaukee’s values of innovation, collaboration, scholarship, respect, safety, diversity, integrity, inclusion, and pride in the institution.

Program of the Year Award- Pantherfest Working Group

This award is presented to a student organization that has planned and implemented an outstanding event on campus.  The event should be one that was planned for an primarily attended by UW-Milwaukee students.  The program should have succeeded in educating those outside of the organization about an issue or cause.

New Student Organization Award- Bandana Project 

This award will be given to an exemplary organization that has gone through the process of becoming a registered student organization within the past three semesters. The organization should have become significantly involved in the UW-Milwaukee Community during their short time on campus. This includes sponsoring events/activities on their own, as well as participating in campus activities as a student organization. The organization should have the desire and potential to improve, grow, and achieve.

Outstanding Student Organization Award- Pinky Swear Pack (PSPack)

This award is presented to an organization that has exhibited a high commitment to improving campus life at UWM. The organization will have shown unity within membership, produced strong programming for the campus, and excelled in leadership.

 Student Employee Awards Categories

Students Serving Students- Allyssa Huguet & Alyssa English

Student staff who create or implement effective or outstanding programs or initiatives for the benefit of other students.  They are dedicated to the mission of UW-Milwaukee, and most importantly, to creatively improve the lives of UW-Milwaukee students.

Above and Beyond the Call- Wesley Hines & Syd Vinyard

Students who could also be described as “everyday heroes”, such as those working behind the scenes to make UW-Milwaukee such a special place.  They serve on the front lines, and help students each and every day with a commitment to excellent customer service and dedication to their professional purpose.

Rising Stars- Stacey Thao & Logan Manz

Students selected should be in their first or second year of employment at UW-Milwaukee.  They are effective in their current positions and show great potential both as an employee and student leader.

Most Valuable Player- Charles Kelly & Luke Rapisarda 

Students showing consistent excellence in all areas of their responsibility and having a strong commitment to the University community.  They take great pride in their academic and professional performance.

Inclusion & Advocacy- Alannah Ray

Students selected should have actively promoted the values of diversity and inclusion through their employment at UW-Milwaukee.  They are encouraged to have helped increase diverse representation, developed new policies and practices, or modeled inclusive behaviors and practices for their coworkers.

If you have any questions, please direct them to leadership-program@uwm.edu