The 44 Stars of Excellence Leadership Awards Gala acknowledges undergraduate student leaders, student organizations, and advisors who demonstrate outstanding dedication and commitment to the campus community and beyond. Students, faculty and staff are invited annually to submit nominations for the awards. Please contact the Student Engagement team with questions.
Save the Date
44 Stars of Excellence Leadership Awards Gala
Sunday, April 27, 2025
4-6 p.m.
Schine Student Center Goldstein Auditorium
44 Stars of Excellence Leadership Awards
Nominations for the below awards are open to Syracuse University undergraduate students, organizations and advisors.
Due Friday, March 7: Complete the 'Cuse Activities Portal Nomination Form today! Learn more about using the 'Cuse Activities Portal!
| Award | Description |
| The Orange Impact Award | Presented to a student leader who has demonstrated outstanding efforts in promoting social justice and raising awareness for community causes. Nominees are acknowledged for their commitment to understanding social issues and for planning and implementing community impact projects. |
| The Rising Star Award | Presented to an individual who has played a key role in helping their organization achieve success. Although not in a formal leadership position, this person consistently goes above and beyond the expectations of a general member. |
| The DEIA Advocate Award | Presented to a student leader who has demonstrated a sincere commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion through advocacy and awareness on campus and in the broader community. Nominees consistently demonstrate awareness towards equity and accessibility within their leadership efforts. |
| Excellence in Campus Collaboration: Student Spotlight | Presented to a student leader who recognizes that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and works to unite University stakeholders toward a shared purpose. This individual excels in fostering collaboration, bringing together diverse groups to collectively enhance the student experience and create a positive impact across the campus community. |
| Excellence in Innovation: Event/Initiative Spotlight | Presented to a student leader that has created a new event or initiative for the first time this academic year. This leader demonstrates a conscious effort to promote, plan, implement, and introduce innovative programs/initiatives that have not been addressed by previous planning or organizations. |
| Excellence in Innovation: New Organization Spotlight | Presented to a newly established student organization. This organization made a deliberate and thoughtful effort to identify a unique need or interest within the campus community, taking the initiative to create a space for students to connect, engage, and contribute. |
| Excellence in Student Leadership | Presented to a student leader who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and service to the campus community. Leaders should have demonstrated positive change and excellence in leadership within their role and within the Syracuse University community. |
| Excellence in Student Leadership: Senior Spotlight | Presented to a graduating senior who has demonstrated dedication to developing themselves, others, and the University through their involvement and leadership in the classroom, in student organizations, and in other facets of student life. This student is strong academically, active in the community, and serves as a role model to their peers. |
| Excellence in Community Service | Presented to an organization who has excelled in volunteerism and community service in the Syracuse area and beyond. This organization excels at giving their time, expertise and abilities to create a positive impact on the people, place or cause they are serving. |
| 44 Stars Award: Advisor of the Year | Presented to an advisor who demonstrates exceptional dedication to an organization through mentorship, active support of programs and events, and ensuring seamless leadership transitions within the organization. |
| 44 Stars Award: Career Engagement Champion | Presented to a student leader or organization who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to promoting career design and raising awareness for professional development. Nominees demonstrate an intentional effort towards career readiness and vocational preparation through their involvement, programming, and/or collaboration. |
| 44 Stars Award: RA of the Year | Presented to a Resident Assistant that has contributed to offering an unsurpassed student experience. This individual has gone above and beyond in fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment within their residence hall community and as a member of the Student Living Team. |
| 44 Stars Award: Club Sport of the Year | Presented to a recognized competitive club sport that has contributed to offering an unsurpassed student experience. This Club Sport has demonstrated excellence in collaboration with their advisor, Competitive Club Sports unit, and other national governing bodies they regularly work with. Nominees have provided equitable opportunities for all students to compete and/or engage with the organization, fostering a positive campus culture as well as positive representation of Syracuse University when traveling for competitions and/or activities. |
| 44 Stars Award: FASA Legacy Award | Presented to highlight a fraternity or sorority member who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to their chapter, council, and the Syracuse University community. |
| 44 Stars Award: RSO of the Year | Presented to a recognized student organization that has contributed to offering an unsurpassed student experience. This RSO has demonstrated excellence in collaboration with their advisor, Student Engagement, and other governing offices they regularly work with. The RSO of the Year has also provided equitable opportunities for all students to engage with the organization, fostering a positive campus culture. |