MSC Student Achievement Gala

Outstanding Student Organization

This award is designed to recognize student organizations that have contributed significantly to the issues students face on campus. These organizations can be of any type. The organization must develop positive collaborative relationships between its members, with other student organizations, community organizations, and staff/faculty. Additionally, it must contribute positively to the personal development of its members; support other campus events and student organizations; host events that meet the needs of students ; and develop programming that builds and educates the campus community.

Eligibility Requirements: Organization, registered and active student organization with the Center for Leadership and Involvement.

Recipients will be evaluated based on:

• Serve UW-Madison Community 
• Positive collaborative relationships
• Contribution to campus
• Development of members
• Support campus events

Excellence in Community Advancement

This award recognizes a student-led organization that has demonstrated excellence in community advancement programming, efforts, and leadership this academic year. Special consideration will be given to groups that embody the core competencies such as Understanding Cross-Community Influence, Coalition-Building, Community Organizing, Leadership, and Building Connection for a Shared Issue.

Eligibility Requirements: Organization, registered and active student organization with the Center for Leadership and Involvement.

Recipients will be evaluated based on:

• Excellence in Community Advancement  Programming
• Commitment to cause
• Contribution to organization
• Impact on the UW Campus
• Embody core competencies

Innovative Program

This award is designed to recognize events or programs that have made a significant impact on the UW community.  Programs should be innovated and hosted by a registered student organization. These programs can be educational or social in nature and should serve the needs of multiple sections of the UW-Madison community. The program fills a unique need and makes significant contributions to the campus community.

Eligibility Requirements: Organization, registered and active student organization with the Center for Leadership and Involvement. 

Recipients will be evaluated based on:

• Serve the needs of UW-Madison
• Contribution to UW Campus
• Innovative
• Educational or Social Impact

Emerging Leader

This award recognizes a first- or second-year student who has shown their ability to be a leader on campus and in the surrounding community. This student shows strong interest in furthering their involvement in a student organization, program, or cause and creating a unique mark on the UW community. Additionally, they demonstrate commitment to a cause/organization; potential for future contributions to an organization and to the rest of the campus; outstanding leadership characteristics and skills; student does not have to hold a specific leadership position in a group.

Eligibility Requirements: Individual; First year and Sophomores Only; Good academic standing

Recipients will be evaluated based on: 

• Developing leadership skills
• Commitment to cause
• Contribution to their organization
• Impact on the UW-Madison campus
• Potential for future contributions

Established Leader

This award recognizes an established student leader who has shown exemplary leadership, service, and commitment to the University community. This student must show consistent leadership that is displayed through their active participation and commitment to an organization. Additionally, they provide leadership and vision for the organization; demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with others; and serve as a role model for new members and to other students on campus.

Eligibility Requirements: Individual; Juniors and Seniors Only; Good academic standing

Recipients will be evaluated based on:

• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Commitment to cause
• Contribution to their organization
• Impact on the UW-Madison campus
• Vision for organization

Outstanding Faculty

Given to a staff or faculty member at UW-Madison, this award recognizes individuals who have contributed to the success and advancement of students and/or student  organizations. Nominees must show dedication through their active participation in relationships with students, the campus community, research, and campus involvement/service. Nominees must be current Staff or Faculty at UW-Madison.

Eligibility Requirements: Individual, current faculty at UW-Madison

Recipients will be evaluated based on:

• Contribution to student success
• Dedication to students
• Participation in campus community, research, or commitment/service
• Impact on UW-Campus

Connect, Empower, Excel Award (LCC)

This award embodies the guiding and founding principles of the LCC, which are connect, empower, and excel. The recipient of this award has strong connections to the Latine community, is successful at empowering others, and excels at leadership. The student(s) who are recognized for this award display exceptional contributions to the Latine community, strong leadership and mentorship skills, and a dedicated commitment to serving others.

Eligibility Requirements: Any graduating undergraduate or graduate/professional student.

Igniting the 7th Fire (ISC)

The prophecy of the Seven Fires of the Anishinaabe says that when the 7th fire is lit, a new people will emerge to retrace the steps of those before them and remember stories and wisdom that were once forgotten. This award is given to a graduating student who has demonstrated a strong commitment to uplifting the Indigenous community through their contributions while at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The recipient of this award has shown a dedication to changing the status quo by learning from the past and leading for the future. They have done this by connecting with the Indigenous community on campus, empowering other students through leadership or mentorship roles, and having left an impact in their community.

Eligibility Requirements: Any graduating undergraduate or graduate/professional student.

The Cornerstone of Coalition Award (APIDASC)

The Cornerstone of Coalition Award is given by the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Student Center to recognize individuals for their significant contribution to enhancing the University of Wisconsin-Madison experience through coalition building within and with the APIDA Student Center community. This exceptional leader has demonstrated vision, integrity, empathy, and a deep commitment to collaboration. Through an emphasis on building trust, uniting varied perspectives, and the empowerment of partners, they have forged partnerships that strengthen and expand the community. We wish to recognize, honor, and express our gratitude for their contributions and for their profound impact.

Eligibility Requirements: Any graduating undergraduate or graduate/professional student.

Aya Community Impact Award (BCC)

The Aya Community Impact Award is given by the Black Cultural Center to a graduating student who has an exemplary track record of leadership, service, and commitment to uplifting the Black community at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This award is given to one undergraduate and one graduate/professional student.

Aya (eye-ah) is a Twi word originating from the Akan people of West Africa (Ghana). Aya translates to fern, which represents perseverance and resourcefulness. It also signifies defiance against difficulties and outlasting adversities. Fern plants are known for their ability to grow and flourish in spite of extreme environments.

Black students have endured through many adversities both individually and collectively at UW-Madison. The recipient of this award has made contributions that have made campus more welcoming for Black students, contributing to an environment that makes it easier for current and future Black students to bloom, flourish, and thrive.

Eligibility Requirements: Any graduating undergraduate or graduate/professional student.

Recipients will be evaluated based on:

• Commitment to uplifting the UW-Madison Black community (e.g. research, special projects, student activism, service, mentorship)
• Leadership experiences and skills