Hawkeye Excellence Awards

Award descriptions and criteria

Most Promising New Student Organization

Most Promising New Student Organization goes to a student organization that has demonstrated significant motivation, creativity, innovation, and perseverance within its first year on campus.

The student organization has demonstrated its promise by:

Recruiting members
Creating new, interesting, and well-attended programs and events
Providing new opportunities for students to participate in the community
Collaborating with other student organizations or University departments
Establishing a plan to transition future leaders to ensure continued organizational growth

Most Improved Student Organization

The successful organization for Most Improved Student Organization award has displayed significant effort for the improvement of the organization and therefore exhibited considerable progress in the development of the group.

The winner of this award has demonstrated excellence in the following:

Revitalized membership (by improving recruitment and retention of new and diverse members)
Improved focus on the organization’s mission and internal operation
Created or improved program(s)/event(s)
Intentionally collaborated with other student organizations or University departments
Established a plan to ensure continued organizational growth and sustainability of the organization

Unsung Hero

The Unsung Hero award was created in 2009 to recognize the efforts of student leaders who may not necessarily be in a leadership position within an organization, but whose behind the scenes efforts are greatly needed and appreciated. These leaders may be quiet, but they are also some of the hardest workers.

Outstanding Contribution to the Greater Community by a Student Organization

Outstanding Contribution to the Great Community by a Student Organization award is given to a student organization that has made a meaningful contribution to the surrounding communities through programs, events, and/or on-going mutually beneficial relationships. The organization may have implemented this through the following:

Identified an existing problem and inspired and motivated others to act.
Committed to working with and for others in making an impact outside of the University of Iowa campus.
Demonstrated initiative, creativity, and perseverance in seeking ways to challenge the present and enrich the future.

Outstanding Philanthropic Contribution to the UI Campus by a Student Organization

The UI Center for Advancement (UICA) is committed to highlighting the good work student organizations do while helping shed light on commendable philanthropic endeavors. As part of this work, UICA sponsors the Outstanding Philanthropic Contribution to the UI Campus by a Student Organization, bringing awareness to the great philanthropic efforts being made by student organizations every year.

To be eligible for this award, the student organization must provide philanthropic leadership to campus by giving of their time, talent, and resources. The winning organization will receive a $250 award from the UI Center for Advancement.

For the purpose of this award, “philanthropy” is defined as the contribution of time, talent, treasure, or ties. Time: volunteer hours, days of service Talent: using one’s expertise or skill set to benefit a cause Treasure: financial contributions (big or small) donated for charitable work Time: using one’s social capital or social network

Outstanding Sustainability Leader

The successful student leader for this award will have displayed a significant effort in helping the University of Iowa be more sustainable and in achieving the UI's 2020 Vision/Sustainability Targets.

The student may have demonstrated that they have met the criteria through the following:

Helped their organization be more operationally and educationally sustainable; valued diversity; motivated and inspired others to be sustainable
Consistently and persistently advocated for sustainable initiatives on campus, and actively supported environmental student organizations' initiatives
Collaborated with other organizations and departments to come up with innovative sustainability solutions
Demonstrated initiative by seeking ways to get closer to the UI's 2020 Vision/Sustainability Targets

Sustainability Integration

Organizations nominated for this award have integrated sustainability initiatives via the operation of an event(s)/project(s), providing a meaningful contribution to the UI's 2020 Vision/Sustainability Targets and an environmentally conscious campus community.

The student organization could demonstrate that they have met the criteria through the following:

Collaborated with the Office of Sustainability and the UISG Sustainability Committee.
Utilized UISG's Green Initiatives Fund and/or made environmentally ethical/responsible purchases.
Provided waste diversion-recycling and composting at events.
Communicated educational messaging and awareness of sustainability initiatives.

*Student organizations with an Environmental or Sustainability purpose are NOT eligible for this award.

Outstanding Community Partner

Community partners nominated for this award have displayed significant effort, made a meaningful contribution, and have supported the University of Iowa students.

For the purpose of this award, a community partner is defined as a department, organization, or agency, either on-campus or off-campus, that assists in the success of a student organization.

The community partner could demonstrate that they have met the criteria through the following:

Working in collaboration with a student organization to enhance its mission, vision, or goals.
Providing support in programming or event planning.
Providing human (volunteers) or financial resources to develop successful programming.

*Student organizations are NOT eligible for this award.

Outstanding Community Contribution by a Student Leader

Student leaders nominated for this award have displayed significant effort for the improvement of the greater community outside of the University of Iowa campus.

The student has demonstrated their outstanding commitment and contribution to community:

Displaying outstanding academic achievement by inspiring and motivating others to act through service, and exemplified integrity in words and actions.
Providing exemplary service, commitment, and strong leadership to the greater community (outside of the University of Iowa campus) and was committed to working with and for others.
Making a meaningful contribution to students and the surrounding communities through service.
Identifying an existing problem and demonstrated initiative by seeking ways to address that problem through service.
Demonstrating on-going flexibility, creativity, and perseverance in efforts.

Outstanding Program

The opportunities for the University of Iowa students to engage in meaningful and diverse programs are endless. This award seeks to highlight and celebrate programming done throughout the year as recognition for the hard work and dedication invested by many great student organizations. Programs/events nominated for this award have made a meaningful contribution to the University of Iowa community.

The program/event could demonstrate that they have met the criteria through the following:

Enhanced the University of Iowa community and institutional values of diversity, integrity, and initiative by utilizing a creative and unique approach.
Explored and fostered innovative and efficient ways of reaching and involving diverse student audiences.
Coordinated and managed a fiscally sound, well-planned program open to all University students.

Outstanding Diversity Awareness Program

Programs and/or events nominated for this award have focused on campus diversity or diversity issues, and encouraged acceptance and respect.

The program/event could demonstrate that they have met the criteria through the following:

Provided the University of Iowa community with an educational or entertaining program/event focused on diverse views, backgrounds, or experiences, or increased the awareness of diversity issues.
Promoted and reflected the values of social issues, multiculturalism, and/or diversity.
Coordinated and managed a fiscally sound, well-planned diversity awareness program open to all University students.

Leadership Legacy

The greatest leaders are not remembered only for what they have done, but also for how they have made a lasting, significant contribution to their organization and/or the University of Iowa community. This award celebrates leaders who have committed not only to their own success but invested in the success of others by creating a pathway for future success.

The student could demonstrate that they have met the criteria through the following:

Significant contribution to the success of the organization through providing a lasting impact on the organization in the implementation of a new and successful program/event, strengthening and improving of an existing program(s)/event(s), and/or execution of new initiatives.
Collaboration with others in the successful implementation of programs, events, initiatives, etc. that will leave a lasting impact on the organization and/or the University of Iowa community.
Exemplary leadership and commitment to the organization and/or the University

Outstanding Student Organization Advisor

Advisors are critical parts of successful and vibrant student organizations. Advisors spend time not only investing in the organization but more importantly into its student leaders and members. Advisors from across the campus community display significant effort for the improvement of the organization and therefore exhibited considerable progress in the development of the group. This award celebrates those commitments and highlights exemplary investments by members of our community.

The advisor could demonstrate that they have met the criteria through the following:

Allowed students to take responsibility for their own learning and understanding of the organization while providing advice, encouragement, and support to all University students.
Conveyed values of integrity and respect. Related well to individual students. They made himself/herself available to others and was approachable and open to new ideas. Valued initiative and student input.
Utilized different and creative approaches to educating and assisting members. Served as a positive role model.
Helped organizations reach their goals.

Outstanding Student Organization

Student organizations nominated for this award have displayed significant effort and have made a meaningful contribution to the University of Iowa students.

The student organization could demonstrate its met the criteria through the following:

Participated in development opportunities (i.e. LeaderShape Iowa, Student Org. and/or Leadership Development Series, My Iowa, Student Org Development Day, etc.)
Offered development programming to members on a consistent basis.
Demonstrated consistent flexibility, initiative, creativity, and perseverance.
Attracted members from different backgrounds, life experiences, and diverse perspectives.
Worked in collaboration with other organizations to enhance the organization’s goals.
Exemplified integrity in all areas of the organization.
Developed a responsible transition plan for the continued success of the organization.

Dinette L. Myers’ Outstanding Student Organization Collaboration

The Dinette L. Myers’ Outstanding Student Organization Collaboration award recognizes successful collaborations among multiple student organizations and agencies.

Dinette L. Myers started her career at the University of Iowa in 1986 working in a number of capacities during her time at UI. Dinette has always been best known by students and campus partners for her thoughtful collaborations over the years. She was a willing resource in helping students make new connections - often serving on committees, as great teammate for countless events and programs. She has been a valued colleague across the Division of Student Life and University. This award honors her spirit and commitment to thoughtful collaborations between organizations, leaders, and community partners. We are grateful for the many student leaders and nominees who have helped extend this lesson and legacy Dinette modeled for us so well.

The recipient of this award should have made meaningful contributions to the University of Iowa community through collaborative efforts (either throughout the year or a single successful program).

The nominees have:

Demonstrated a collaborative spirit through work with numerous organizations or a one-time collaborative effort between two or more organizations.
Engaged in programming that enhanced the University of Iowa community and institutional values of collaboration and initiative by utilizing a creative and unique approach.
Explored and fostered innovative and efficient ways of reaching and involving diverse student audiences, while integrating the purpose of all organizations involved.
Strived to collaborate, coordinate, and manage fiscally-sound, well-planned programs.

Outstanding Student Organization Leader

Student Organizations are made up of resilient, committed, and passionate student leaders. These leaders are at the center of a vibrant and engaging campus community, who provides life and opportunities for others. This award celebrates leaders who have made a significant effort, investment, and commitment to advancing the mission of their student organization.

The student leader could demonstrate that they have met the criteria through the following:

Displayed outstanding academic achievement, valued diversity, motivated and inspired others and exemplified integrity in all words and actions.
Provided exemplary service, commitment, and strong leadership to the University of Iowa community and demonstrated on-going flexibility, creativity, and perseverance in efforts.
Made meaningful contribution to students, University, and surrounding communities while working with and for others (ex. included other organizations/departments in planning and implementing events).
Addressed existing problems and valued feedback from others. Made themselves available to group members and brought out the strengths and talents of individual group members.
Demonstrated initiative by seeking ways to enrich the future.

Previous award recipients

2023 - 2024 Recipients

2022 - 2023 Recipients

Unsung Hero - Tim Sustersic
Javon Stovall Leadership Legacy - Katherine Lyu
Outstanding Community Partner - Agape Cafe and Student Nursing Association at the University of Iowa
Most Improved Student Organization - Robotics at Iowa
Dinette Myers’ Outstanding Student Organization Collaboration - Environmental Coalition at Iowa
Tom Rocklin Meet the Challenge Award: Excel - Kelly McGee
Tom Rocklin Meet the Challenge Award: Stretch - Katherine Esquivel
Tom Rocklin Meet the Challenge Award: Engage - Brenden Deasfernandes
Tom Rocklin Meet the Challenge Award: Serve - Krisha Keeran
Tom Rocklin Meet the Challenge Award: Kelly S Bender Choose Award - Ryan Anderson
Outstanding Diversity Awareness Program - Chinese Dance Club
Most Promising New Student Organization - PAWS at Iowa
Outstanding Sustainability Integration - Mercedes Juelfs
Outstanding Student Organization - University of Iowa Men's Ice Hockey Club
Outstanding Program - Campus Activities Board - Haunted House
Outstanding Community Contribution by a Student Leader - Mansour Golpour
Outstanding Community Contribution by a Student Organization - A moment of Magic at UI
Outstanding Student Organization Advisor - Kathleen O'Neill
Outstanding Student Organization Leader - Laurel Haverkamp
Outstanding Philanthropic Contribution to the UI Campus by a Student Organization - Kappa Kappa Gamma - Mental Health Awareness

2021 - 2022 Recipients

Student Government Awards

Jack Lauer, USG Senator of the Year Award
Sam Stucky, Belinda L. Marner Outstanding USG Executive of the Year Award
Micaela Dohleman, Belinda L. Marner Outstanding GPSG Executive of the Year Award
Alyson Sorenson, David L Grady UISG & GPSG Joint Exemplary Service Award
Kody Waldstein, GPSG Delegate of the Year Award
Graduate Student Senate, Member Government of the Year

UICA Awards

Heider Family Foundation Awards
- Food Pantry at Iowa
- Student Disabilities Services
- Student Disabilities Services / Academic Coaches
- Rape Victim Advocacy Program
- The Iowa Youth Writing Program
- Student Legal Services
- University of Iowa Collegiate Recovery Program
- University of Iowa Panhellenic Council
- Iowa Hawkapellas
- Black in Business
- Kaila Hembrook / Summer of the Arts
- Camp Kesem @ University of Iowa
- Beta Theta Pi
- Community Health Outreach Promotion Association

Organizational Excellence Awards

CAB and Afro House viewing of the Iowa City Black Liberation Space Documentary, Outstanding Diversity Awareness Program
CAB Haunted House, Outstanding Program
Active Minds, Outstanding Student Organization
Alpha Delta Phi Sorority, Outstanding Sustainability Integration
Caleb Marx, Outstanding Community Contribution by a Student Leader
Dr. Barry Schreier, Outstanding Student Organization Advisor
Hawkeye Service Breaks Leadership Team & Participants, Outstanding Community Contribution by a Student Organization
Hawkeye Boxing Club, Most Improved Student Organization

Leadership Excellence Awards

CAB and Green Bandana Project, Dinette Myers’ Outstanding Student Organization Collaboration
Karter Donahue, Unsung Hero
Rachel Lacy, Alpha Chi Omega and Katelyn Clucas, Alpha Xi Delta, Outstanding Sorority Member in Leadership
Ryan Anderson, Outstanding Student Organization Leader
Johnson County Public Health, Outstanding Community Partner
Sam Cary, Tom Rocklin Meet the Challenge Award: Engage
Moises De La Cruz, Tom Rocklin Meet the Challenge Award: Excel
Elena Rose Volfson, Tom Rocklin Meet the Challenge Award: Kelly S Bender Choose Award
Keely Driscoll, Tom Rocklin Meet the Challenge Award: Serve
Anjana Biswa, Tom Rocklin Meet the Challenge Award: Stretch
Marilyn Cam Lo, Javon Stovall Leadership Legacy
Lauren Asman, Sean Wu "DJ Scoot" Memorial Scholarship
Katherine Trout-Baren, Sean Wu Memorial Scholarship

2020 - 2021 Recipients

IGNITE UI, Most Promising Student Organization
Men's Water Polo Club, Most Improved Student Organization
Jacob Hansen, Unsung Hero
Hallie Lartius, Outstanding Sustainability Leader
Food Pantry at Iowa, Outstanding Philanthropic Contribution
Device Advice Student Organization, Outstanding Community Contribution
HACAP, Outstanding Community Partner
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers - Virtual Diversity Networking Event, Outstanding Diversity Awareness Program
Eta Sigma Phi - The Little Things, Outstanding Program
The Doctor Is In, Outstanding Student Organization Collaboration
Bridget Joers, Leadership Legacy Award
Lindsey Meyer, Outstanding Student Organization Advisor
Summer Choi, Outstanding Student Organization Leader
Society of Women Engineers, Outstanding Student Organization
Iowa Hillel, Outstanding Sustainability Integration

2018 - 2019 Recipients

• Most Promising New Student Organization – Clothing Closet

• Most Improved Student Organization – Iowa Quidditch Club

• Unsung Hero – Claire Fleming

• Outstanding Community Contribution by a Student Leader – Courtney Dawson

• Outstanding Community Contribution by a Student Organization – Students Care

• PHIL WAS HERE Outstanding Philanthropic Contribution to the UI Campus by a Student Organization – Rays of Reach

• Outstanding Sustainability Leader – Jess Oliver

• Outstanding Sustainability Integration – Dance Marathon

• Sean Wu Memorial Scholarships

• LeaderShape Vision Award – Zoe Swinton

• Outstanding Community Partner Award – Thompson & Co., Table to Table

• Outstanding Diversity Awareness Program – Walk it Out Multicultural Fashion Show

• Outstanding Program

• Pink – aKDPhi

• Send Silence Packing – Active Minds

• ARH Hall of the Year – People of Petersen

Fraternity & Sorority Life Awards

• 2018 IFC Officer of the Year – Thompson Coffey, Lambda Chi Alpha

• 2018 MGC Officer of the Year – Jackie Chu, Delta Phi Lambda Sorority Inc.

• 2018 NPHC Officer of the Year – Emeleeta Paintsil, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.

• 2018 PHC Officer of the Year – Nicole Gorny, Zeta Tau Alpha

• 2018 IFC President of the Year – Carson Kowalski, Delta Upsilon

• 2018 MGC President of the Year – Victoria Yee, Delta Phi Lambda Sorority Inc.

• 2018 NPHC President of the Year – Kaelin Akins, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

• 2018 PHC President of the Year – Natalie Goodman, Kappa Alpha Theta

Graduate and Professional Student Government Awards

• Belinda L. Marner GPSG Executive of the Year – Dexter Golinghorst

• Delegate of the Year – KaLeigh White

• Member Government of the Year – Graduate Student Senate

• Chair of the Year – Danielle Thomas

University of Iowa Student Government Awards

• Belinda L. Marner Executive of the Year – Kristen Ahrens

• First Year Senator – Joseph Verry

• Committee Chair of the Year – Jocelyn Roof

• Legacy Member of the Year – Jenna Pokorny

• Senator of the Year – Jocelyn Roof

• David Grady UISG/GPSG Joint Exemplary Service Award – Connor Woof

Outstanding Student Organization Advisor

• Ginny Combs, APO

• Shelley Hartman, CAB

Leadership Legacy

• Mohammaed Fredericks

• Devin Francis

Outstanding Student Organization Leader

• Lexi Breitbart

• Miguel Jacobo

• Taha Gesalla

Outstanding Student Organization

• Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS)

Dr. Tom Rocklin Meet the Challenge Awards

• Excel – Abby Haynes

• Stretch – Nicole Nucaro

• Kelly S. Bender Choose – Ben Conlin

• Serve – Miguel Jacobo

• Engage – Marissa Mueller

Dinette L. Myers’ Outstanding Student Organization Collaboration

• Dance Marathon & Translate Iowa Project

2017 - 2018 Recipients

• Most Promising New Student Organization

• Reaching OUT in Business

• Iowa Quidditch Club

• Most Improved Student Organization

• Society for Human Rights Management

• Society of Women Engineers

• Unsung Hero

• Christ Tran, Pi Alpha Phi

• Samantha Swartz, Medicus

• Outstanding Contribution to the Greater Community by a Student Leader – Adriana Peterson

• Outstanding Contribution to the Greater Community by a Student Organization

• Women in Business

• Camp Kesem

• PHIL WAS HERE® Outstanding Philanthropic Contribution to the UI Campus by a Student Organization – Black Student Union

• Outstanding Sustainability Leader – David Strabala

• Sustainability Integration – Women in Business

• Sustainability Innovation – Environmental Coalition

• Outstanding Community Partner

• University of Iowa Hawkshop

• The Iowa Women’s Foundation

• Outstanding Diversity Awareness Program – Heart Workshop - The Free Hug Event

• Outstanding Program

• Pakistani Student Association’s Henna Night

• Brown Girl: Story Telling as Resistance – Sponsored by Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc., Lambda Theta Nu Sorority Inc., Iowa Edge, and the Association of Latinos Moving Ahead (ALMA)

• Outstanding Student Organization Collaboration – Campus Activities Board & Future Alumni Network - Senior Week

• Outstanding Student Organization Advisor

• Amy Little, Alpha Phi Omega

• Tracey Pritchard, Dance Marathon

• Jessica Watts, Associated Residence Halls

• Leadership Legacy

• Hallee Haygood

• Alex Linden

• Outstanding Student Organization Leader

• Alexia Sanchez

• Jane Nguyen

• Syeda Momina Tabish

• Xiomara Santana

• Outstanding Student Organization

• Student Iowa School Counseling Association

• alpha Kappa Delta Phi

• The Food Pantry at Iowa

Other Awards Presented at the Hawkeye Awards

• Sean Wu Memorial Scholarships

• Sal Goedken

• Miles Klotz

• LeaderShape Vision Award – Jocelyn Roof

• Be Better @ Iowa Award: Discovering My Strengths

• Zayetzy Luna Garcia

• Katelyn Murhammer

• Mariah Roller

• Dylan Peterson

• AJ Smith

• Student Leader Training Incentive Program – Student United Way

• Associated Residence Halls Award: Hall of the Year – Daum Hall

GPSG & UISG Leadership Award Recipients

• Belinda L. Marner Outstanding GPSG Executive of the Year – Reuben Vyn

• Belinda L. Marner Outstanding UISG Executive of the Year – Tristan Schmidt

• David L. Grady, Ph.D. UISG & GPSG Joint Exemplary Service Award – Jeremy Vogel

Fraternity & Sorority Life Awards

• 2016 IFC Chapter President of the Year – Jake Calomino, Delta Tau Delta

• 2016 MGC Chapter President of the Year – Kimberly Castillo, Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc.

• 2016 NPHC Chapter President of the Year – Gabrielle Young, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

• 2016 PHC Chapter President of the Year – Sarah Gornik, Delta Gamma

• 2016 IFC Officer of the Year – Health Schintler

• 2016 MGC Officer of the Year – Tiffanie Duong

• 2016 NPHC Officer of the Year – Gabrielle Young

• 2016 PHC Officer of the Year – Anna Long

Dr. Tom Rocklin Meet the Challenge Awards

• EXCEL – Ross Lanier

• STRETCH – Tyler Wills

• ENGAGE – Cesar Perez

• KELLY S. BENDER CHOOSE – Kaylee Zimlich

• SERVE – Carissa Bailey

2016 - 2017 Recipients

• Most Promising New Student Organization – American Association of University of Women at Iowa

• Most Improved Student Organization – Iowa Edge Student Organization

• Unsung Hero – Stephanie Niklasen, Campus Activities Board

• Outstanding Contribution to the Greater Community by a Student Leader – Charles Truong, UI Breakers

• Outstanding Contribution to the Greater Community by a Student Organization – Alpha Phi Omega—Omicron

• PHIL WAS HERE® Outstanding Philanthropic Contribution to the UI Campus by a Student Organization – Student Academy of Audiology

• Outstanding Sustainability Leader – Shelby Cain

• Sustainability Integration – UI Dance Marathon

• Stephen Lynn Smith Social Progress & Justice

• Sean Finn

• Rachel Zuckerman

• Outstanding Community Partner – Children’s Cancer Connection

• Outstanding Diversity Awareness Program – The Walls Between Us: A Dialogue About Language And How It Affects Our Identity – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

• Outstanding Program – Mock Shaadi – South Asian Student Alliance

• Outstanding Student Organization Collaboration – UI Breakers

• Outstanding Student Organization Advisor – Cody Pritchard, First Generation Iowa