University Student Awards recognize graduating students for their achievements in service, scholarship and leadership. Students are eligible to be nominated for the 2019 awards if they will graduate in May 2019, or if they graduated in August 2018 or December 2018. All nominees must be in good academic and conduct standing.
Award recipients will be honored at a reception hosted by the AU President Sylvia Burwell at the start of Commencement Weekend. Recipients will also be recognized during their commencement ceremonies.
Nominations open January 23, 2019 and are due March 25, 2019. View the specific criteria for each award type below.
This award goes to one graduating undergraduate student, who receives $1,000.
The President's Award is the highest award for undergraduate students and is presented to a graduating student whose accomplishments during the course of their undergraduate years are truly exceptional and reflect the highest ideals of American University.
Nominees will have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, integrity, selflessness, leadership, and service to the Washington, D.C., community. They will have contributed significantly to building community and promoting the understanding and acceptance of cultural and racial diversity on the AU campus.
In addition, the nominees must be eligible for Latin Honors:
This award is named in honor of Provost Emeritus Scott A. Bass to acknowledge his longstanding commitment to and support of academic excellence and high-quality, cutting edge research at the undergraduate level. It is presented to two graduating undergraduate students, who receive $500 each.
This highly competitive award recognizes the nominee's sustained excellent academic record and exceptional academic success as exemplified by extraordinary publications, research, creative work, merit awards, or competitive selection for presentations at regional and national academic societies and conferences.
This award goes to two graduating master's, MFA, JD, LLM, SJD, or PhD students, who receive $500 each.
This highly competitive award recognizes the nominee's sustained excellent academic record and exceptional academic success as exemplified by extraordinary publications, research, creative work, merit awards, or competitive selection for presentations at regional and national academic societies and conferences.
This award goes to two graduating students (undergraduate, graduate or law), who receive $500 each.
Student must have been admitted to an undergraduate or graduate degree program as of September 2018. Requires demonstration of unique contributions and sustained service that will leave a lasting impact on the University community, whether through student government, public service, organizational leadership, or a combination of several categories.
Ten students receive Student Achievement Awards. Each of the recipients of these 10 named awards, who must be graduating undergraduate students, receive $250.
Student must have been admitted to an undergraduate degree program as of September 2018. These awards require demonstration of unique contributions as well as service benefiting the University community, whether through student government, public service, organizational leadership, or a combination of several categories.
Read more about the namesake of each award.
A senior who best exemplifies the traits of Stafford Cassell - total, selfless dedication to the University, profound energy, reliability, intellectual curiosity, friendliness, and helpfulness.
A senior who best exemplifies integrity and selflessness in citizenship on and off campus, together with academic achievement.
A student who has contributed most to the University through the arts, while maintaining a high academic average.
A senior who has performed outstanding service to the University community and demonstrated unusual depth and maturity in leadership abilities.
A student who has contributed most to promoting understanding and acceptance of cultural and racial diversity within the University community.
A senior who has made significant contributions to the University while maintaining a high scholastic record and serving in Student Government or the Student Conduct system.
An international student who has contributed most to increase intercultural understanding at the University.
A senior who best exemplifies qualities of character and achievement, while making significant contributions to Student Government.
A student who has contributed the most to building community at the University.
A senior who has best combined citizenship and business leadership in service to the University community.
Deadline for Nominations: Monday, March 25, 2019 at 11:55 p.m (closed)
Deadline for Supporting Material for Existing Nominations: Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 11:55 p.m.
Note: Monetary awards are considered taxable compensation to the recipient in accordance with the IRS Code.
For President's Award:
Leslie Wong
Office of the President
(202) 885-2143
lwong@american.edu
For Outstanding Scholarship:
Sara Biggs, Office of the Provost
(202) 885-2128
sbiggs@american.edu
For Student Achievement Awards and Outstanding Service:
Sally Acharya,
Office of Campus Life
(202) 885-3499
campuslife@american.edu
View past winners of the University Student Awards! These students have demonstrated excellence in service, leadership and academic scholarship.
