The Distinguished Freshman Leadership Award recognizes first-year students who have taken the initiative to get involved at the University of Houston, while they are adjusting to a virtual campus life. These students have shown their potential as leaders and their potential for future contributions to campus vibrancy at the University of Houston.

1. Students can only win this award once
2. Applicants must have full-time freshman status (must have less than 30 credit hours)
3. In good standing with the university
4. Have made specific contributions to student life (face to face or virtually) during the past academic year at the University of Houston through involvement in campus activities, student organizations, academic initiatives, student governance, community service, and leadership.

The Distinguished Sophomore Leader Award recognizes students who have had outstanding involvement in a virtual campus life. Through their involvement, these students have contributed to the quality of life on the University of Houston’s campus. In addition, they have begun to take on positions of leadership within their organizations and have also shown great potential for future achievement.

1. Students can only win this award once
2. Applicants must have full-time sophomore status (must between 30-59 credit hours)
3. In good standing with the university
4. Have made specific contributions to student life (face to face or virtually) during the past academic year at the University of Houston through involvement in campus activities, student organizations, academic initiatives, student governance, community service, and leadership.

The Distinguished Junior Leader Award is given to students who have significantly enhanced the University of Houston’s virtual campus environment through their demonstrated leadership abilities, personal growth, and community service. These students, who are more established in their college careers, have taken on the challenge of holding leadership positions in organizations and developing new initiatives to increase campus vibrancy despite virtual limitations.

1. Students can only win this award once
2. Applicants must have full-time junior status (must between 60-89 credit hours)
3. In good standing with the university
4. Have made specific contributions to student life (face to face or virtually) during the past academic year at the University of Houston through involvement in campus activities, student organizations, academic initiatives, student governance, community service, and leadership.

The Distinguished Senior Leader Award recognizes the involvement and accomplishments of exceptional senior leaders. As seniors, they have not only demonstrated their commitment to enhancing the quality of student life on the University of Houston campus through this virtual academic year but have also shown outstanding potential for future achievement as they prepare to enter a new phase in their lives. These senior Student Leaders have impacted the University of Houston community through program development and implementation, served as leaders in student organizations or programs, and have worked collectively with others to create a more engaged and inclusive campus community.

1. Students can only win this award once
2. Applicants must have full-time senior status (must have 90 or more credit hours)
3. In good standing with the university
4. Have made specific contributions to student life (face to face or virtually) during the past academic year at the University of Houston through involvement in campus activities, academic initiatives, student governance, community service, leadership, and their pursuits to support and empower their peers.

The Graduate/Professional Leadership Award recognizes graduate/professional students who are involved on campus (or virtually) despite graduate/professional level coursework, professional commitments, and family responsibilities. The award recipients have will have succeeded in demonstrating a commitment to their campus involvement and balance between professional, academic, and personal life.

1. Students can only win this award once
2. Students must a cumulative 3.0 GPA
3. Applicants must have full-time graduate or professional student status
4. In good standing with the university
5. Have made specific contributions to student life (face to face or virtually) during the past academic year at the University of Houston through involvement in campus activities, student organizations, academic initiatives, student governance, and community service.

The Community Impact Award acknowledges a student who has made a significant positive impact on the UH and Houston community despite the virtual limitations seen in this past academic year through initiatives, interactions, and contributions by uniquely addressing a problem or improving a situation. The recipient will demonstrate a vision of a world left better because of the work the student has done through exceptional commitment to specific community service initiative, a demonstration of specific endeavors to integrate the student community into the larger UH and Houston community, and spreading awareness of community service programs, civic endeavors, or groups through research, or other initiatives even in an atypical academic year.

This award acknowledges and honors the efforts of students committed to excelling academically and contributing positively to campus through engaging virtual or face to face student involvement while balancing various roles as a non-traditional student. A non-traditional student is 25 years or older and/or is dealing with life circumstances that are different from the typical traditional student which may include some of the following characteristics: Working full-time (30+ hours a week), delaying enrollment or taking a break from college, considered financially independent, student-parent or student with dependents, and military veteran.

The Outstanding Student Organization Advisor award will recognize an advisor who goes above and beyond to assist their student organization(s). Nominees should display high involvement with their organization(s), dedication to the campus community and assist with the leadership development of group members. They should be available to students and serve as a valuable resource.

The Rising Star Award is given to a first-time student leader who has done outstanding work in his/her first year of involvement despite the virtual challenges from this past academic year. This student displays leadership potential and is motivated to continue to expand involvement in other areas of the UH community.

The Unsung Hero Award is awarded to a student that puts his/her heart and soul into everything he/she does, consistently goes above and beyond, but often goes unrecognized. This student often works "behind the scenes", routinely goes above and beyond typical requirements, mentors, supports, encourages, and inspires the organization's members or other students, receives no compensation for their involvement/work, and is not an officer in an organization or paid worker.

Cedric Bandoh served the University of Houston and Student Government Association as a two-term Student Body President of the 49th and 50th Administrations, Chief of Staff of the 48th Administration, and an Undergraduate At-Large Senator of the 47th Administration. His terms of office have been characterized by the motto “Service Above Self” and through his direction of numerous University initiatives, development, and guidance of student programs and collaboration with other national student leaders. This award recognizes the involvement and leadership of students who exemplify the character of Cedric Bandoh’s contributions and the model of his leadership. Recipients of this award will be prominently displayed with former awardees in the Student Government Association Senate Chamber.

Rani Ramchandani served the University of Houston and Student Government Association as a two-term C.T. Bauer College of Business Senator of the 49th and 48th Administrations, Chair of the Senate Committee on Administration and Finance, and as Student Body Vice-President of the 50th Administration. Her terms of office have been characterized by the motto “Service Above Self” through her tireless participation in many University Committees, volunteer projects, and in the development and continuation of valuable student-centered initiatives. This award recognizes the involvement and dedication of students who exemplify the character of Rani Ramchandani’s contributions and the ideals and measure of her service. Recipients of this award will be prominently displayed with former awardees in the Student Government Association Senate Chamber.

Tanzeem Chowdhury served the University of Houston and Student Government Association as Student Body Vice-President of the 52nd Administration, Cullen College of Engineering Senator of the 51st Administration, a two-term Undergraduate-at-Large Senator of the 49th and 50th Administrations, and Chair of the Student Life Senate Committee. His terms in office have been characterized by ‘Empowering the Pride’ and his effortless participation in helping students make the most out of their college experience, starting traditions, encouraging collaboration and creating opportunities for students to become leaders through selfless mentorship. He gave people opportunities to succeed and learn in their positions even if they have never been in such positions before. After graduating from UH, Tanzeem continued to mentor and guide SGA vice-presidents, presidents, and senators to succeed in their own initiatives. This award recognizes students whose involvement and dedication to mentorship exemplifies the character of Tanzeem Chowdhury’s contributions and his work in empowering and encouraging leadership and collaboration. Recipients of this award will be prominently displayed with former awardees in the Student Government Association Senate Chamber.

The Dean of Students' annual award recognizes one student for their outstanding contributions to the quality of campus life through service, leadership, and spirit. Applicants should demonstrate significant service and/or leadership and enthusiasm, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA while being enrolled in at least 9 credit hours, and be classified as either a Junior or Senior at the University of Houston's main campus.

Michael Sachs graduated from the University of Houston in 1997. During his tenure as a student, Michael held numerous leadership positions in many student organizations across campus including, Interfraternity Council, Activities Funding Board, University Center Policy Board, Students with Disabilities, Frontier Fiesta Association, Frontiersmen, and Delta Upsilon Fraternity.

Lisa Sachs graduated from the University of Houston in 1995. She too participated and held many leadership positions during her student career including UH Ambassadors, Honors College Program Board, and Frontier Fiesta Association. After graduating from UH, Lisa also worked as a Campus Activities Advisor, developing new leaders in many of the same organizations she and Michael were part of as undergrads.

Through their involvement in UH student organizations, the two met and married in 2000. Both Michael and Lisa credit much of their successes to the lessons they learned from leadership opportunities at the University of Houston. The skills they learned and developed while undergrads at the University shaped their careers as business and community leaders.

The Michael and Lisa Sachs Scholarship will be awarded to an undergraduate student enrolled at the University of Houston who is actively participating in a role within a co-curricular activity or student organization. This scholarship recognizes highly motivated UH students, exhibiting leadership qualities and campus involvement, to assist them in attaining their educational goals.

Requirements:

• The student must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be enrolled full-time during the award period.
• Involvement Resume:
  • Please submit a resume containing a brief description of all of your campus involvement and community activities during your time as an undergraduate student. (A sample is provided in the application).
• Personal Leadership Statement:
  • How do you Get Involved: In no more than 500 words, tell us about your leadership development. Use examples of qualities or talents you exhibit, accomplishments, contributions, and your personal experiences. How do you envision applying your leadership skills in the future, and inspire others to get involved?

*Scholarship awards $1,000 to the winner.

The Legacy Award recognizes a student whose influence, ideals and activities throughout their college career have left a lasting, positive impression on the institution and raises the standard of excellence for future generations. This award recognizes the efforts a student has displayed to better campus life and the college experience for others despite the virtual challenges and limitations experiences this past academic year. More than one recipient may be awarded.

The Legacy Award is the Campus Leaders Reception’s Highest Honor

The Outstanding New Student Organization Award recognizes a registered student organization registered in the last two years that has demonstrated outstanding potential for the growth and development of its members while contributing to the campus community (face to face or virtually) despite the limitations experienced this past academic year.

The Outstanding Collaboration Award is given to a registered student organization that successfully collaborated with other organizations/departments in order to enhance a program/event. The collaboration(s) could have been executed in a face to face or virtual setting.

The Outstanding Educational Program Award is given to a registered student organization that succeeded in educating a group of people outside of the organization about a topic, issue or cause, through a program or event in a face to face or virtual setting.

The Outstanding Program award is given to a registered student organization that contributed to campus life through an impactful event at UH (face to face or virtually).

The Outstanding Student Organization Award is to highlight the efforts of a registered student organization in how they carry out the mission of their student organization and contribute to campus life face to face or virtually in a positive manner.

The Outstanding USO Program award is given to a university-sponsored organization that contributed to campus life through an impactful virtual or face to face event on campus.

The Outstanding USO Student Organization Award is to highlight the efforts of a university-sponsored organization in how they carry out the mission of their student organization and contribute to campus life in a positive manner whether this be virtually or face to face..