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Adams Leadership Award Nominations

See below for a full description of each award. Submit award nominations here by Sunday, April 7, 2024.

Individual Awards

Class Year Awards

Description: Outstanding First Years, Sophomores, Juniors (P1), and Seniors (P2). Awarded to 1-2 students in each cohort who have made extraordinary contributions to the Drake community through leadership and involvement. These students have demonstrated their commitment to make Drake a better place. Their academic and extracurricular involvement, as well as their character and approach to working with others, exemplifies the best in all Drake students.

Submission Requirements:

  • Nominee contact information
  • Please provide a thorough description of the student's leadership accomplishments as they relate to award. Describe tangible evidence of the student's demonstrated leadership abilities, approach to working with others, impact on campus, and commitment to the Drake community.
  • Nominator contact information
  • Nominator: In what capacity have you observed this nominee's leadership? (i.e. faculty member, advisor, organization member, classmate, etc.)

Oreon E. Scott Graduating Legacy Award

Description: Given annually since 1949, the Oreon E. Scott Award recognizes the most exemplary senior student leader at Drake University. Excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and involvement are hallmarks of the Oreon E. Scott Award winner. As part of their honor, the recipient will have the opportunity to speak at commencement in May.

Submission Requirements:

  1. A minimum of two letters of nomination from faculty, staff, and/or students highlighting the senior’s achievements in the area of: scholarship, leadership, involvement, and service
  2. A copy of the nominee’s current resumé
  3. Please send these materials to Kristin Economos at kristin.economos@drake.edu by April 7, 2024.

Outstanding Bright College Student Award

Description: Awarded to a student in the John Dee Bright College who has made extraordinary contributions to the Drake community through leadership and involvement. This student has demonstrated their commitment to make both Drake and Bright College a better place. Their academic and extracurricular involvement, as well as their character and approach to working with others, exemplifies the best in all Drake students.

Submission Requirements:

  • Nominee contact information
  • Please provide a thorough description of the student's leadership accomplishments as they relate to award. Describe tangible evidence of the student's demonstrated leadership abilities, approach to working with others, impact on campus, and commitment to the John Dee Bright community.
  • Nominator contact information
  • Nominator: In what capacity have you observed this nominee's leadership? (i.e. faculty member, advisor, organization member, classmate, etc.)

Outstanding Transfer Student Award

Description: Awarded to a transfer student who has made extraordinary contributions to the Drake University transfer student community through leadership and involvement. This student has demonstrated their commitment to both Drake and the transfer student experience. Their academic and extracurricular involvement, as well as their character and approach to working with others, exemplifies the best in all Drake students.

Submission Requirements:

  • Nominee contact information
  • Please provide a thorough description of the student's leadership accomplishments as they relate to award. Describe tangible evidence of the student's demonstrated leadership abilities, approach to working with others, impact on campus, and commitment to Drake's transfer student community.
  • Nominator contact information
  • Nominator: In what capacity have you observed this nominee's leadership? (i.e. faculty member, advisor, organization member, classmate, etc.)

David Maxwell Outstanding Student Organization President Award

Description: Awarded to a University-recognized student organization president or chairperson who has demonstrated outstanding leadership. This student's work exhibits creativity and innovation, enhancing the student organization and its members. The student selected for this award champions the work of others, delegates effectively, and empowers others to contribute to the work of the organization. Named in honor of former Drake University President, David Maxwell.

Submission Requirements:

  • Nominee contact information (name, Drake email, class year, student organization)
  • Please provide a thorough description of how the student used their leadership skills to enhance their organization, provide innovative ideas, and champion the work of its members.
  • Nominator: In what capacity do you know the nominee? (faculty, advisor, classmate, etc.)

Outstanding Student Organization Officer Award

Description: Awarded to a University-recognized student organization officer (outside of the president/chairperson) who has exhibited outstanding leadership for their organization and campus community during their term. This person has gone above and beyond their organizational responsibilities to create a positive impact. They mentor other members and are dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment in their organization. 

Submission Requirements:

  • Nominee contact information (name, Drake email, class year, student organization)
  • Please provide a thorough description of how the student has gone above and beyond their responsibilities to have a positive impact on the organization. How have they mentored others and created a welcoming, inclusive environment for all students involved?
  • Nominator: In what capacity have you seen the nominee exhibit these leadership skills?

Outstanding Residence Hall Leader Award

Description: Awarded to a student who possesses strong leadership characteristics and exhibits an outstanding commitment to building community in their on-campus living environment. The student shows evidence of sincerely supporting their residents' personal and academic growth.

Submission Requirements:

  • Nominee contact information (name, Drake email, class year, residence hall)
  • Please describe tangible evidence of how this nominee has (a) built community in their on-campus living environment and (b) encourages their residents' personal and academic growth.
  • Nominator: In what capacity have you observed the student exhibit these leadership skills (i.e. your role, faculty, classmate, teammate, etc)

Wanda E. Everage Peer Mentor Award

Description: This award is given to a student who has made an extraordinary contribution to the life of another Drake student or students. Most notably, their commitment to others has distinguished them as an outstanding peer mentor. This award is named in honor of Wanda E. Everage, whose 24-year career at Drake was marked by a unique passion for mentoring students and empowering them to build meaningful relationships with their peers.

Submission Requirements:

  • Nominee contact information (name, Drake email, class year)
  • How has this nominee demonstrated a commitment to serving and mentoring their peers? How does this person build meaningful relationships with their peers?
  • Nominator: In what capacity have you observed the student exhibit these leadership skills? (i.e. your role, faculty, classmate, teammate, etc.)

Drake Outstanding Individual Service Award

Description: Awarded to an individual student who has shown a commitment to service through sincere relationship building and community partnership. This student has provided meaningful service that has strengthened relationships between Drake University and the greater Des Moines community, and has evidence of programs, activities, and projects which have taken place throughout the academic year.

Submission Requirements:

  • Nominee contact information (name, Drake email, class year)
  • Please provide a thorough description of the student's service-learning involvement and ways in which their contributions to the community were significant.
  • Nominator: In what capacity have you observed this student's approach to service? (i.e. your role, faculty, classmate, teammate, etc.)

Outstanding Student Organization Adviser of the Year Award

Description: This award is presented to an adviser who has served a Drake University student organization above and beyond expectation. The adviser has a strong belief in the organization, invests time and energy to support its members, and encourages the development of responsibility, leadership, personal growth and development among students. 

Submission Requirements:

  • Nominee contact information (name, Drake email, class year, related student organization)
  • Please describe how the adviser encourages the development of responsibility and leadership in students and displays an interest in students’ personal growth and development. What examples showcase how this person provides exceptional advising to you and the other members of your organization?
  • Nominator: In what capacity have you observed this adviser’s skills and approach? (i.e. your role as a student, etc.)

 


Student Organization Awards

Outstanding Student Organization Award

Description: Given to a University-recognized student organization that has shown excellence in its approach, members, programs, and services during the academic year. The organization supports the leadership development of its members, seeks opportunities to collaborate with other student organizations and/or University departments, and positively contributes to the Drake University community. They are committed to actively adding value to Drake’s campus.

Submission Requirements:

  • Student organization contact information (org name, president’s name, contact email)
  • Leadership Development: How has the organization encouraged leadership development among its members?
  • Campus Contributions: What contributions to the campus has the organization made that have most impacted the community?
  • Campus Contributions: What contributions to the campus has the organization made that have most impacted the community?
  • Nominator: In what capacity have you observed this student organization? (i.e. your role, faculty, classmate, teammate, etc.)

Drake Outstanding Group Service Award

Description: Given to a student organization, group, or class that has shown a commitment to service through sincere relationship building and community partnership. This organization has provided meaningful service that has strengthened relationships between Drake University and the Greater Des Moines community. All community service projects and activities described as part of this nomination must have taken place during the current academic year.

Submission Requirements:

  • Student contact information (project title, student group name, president’s name, contact email)
  • Please list any community organizations involved with this partnership.
  • Please describe the project. Think about the basics (who was involved, what happened, when and where was action taken, why was it started, etc.) Provide evidence of sincere relationship building and community partnership. What role did the community organization play in collaborating with you?
  • Describe the impact this project had on the community. How did it strengthen the relationship between Drake and the Des Moines community?
  • Nominator: In what capacity have you observed this student organization’s service? (i.e. your role, faculty, classmate, teammate, etc.)

Ron & Jane Olson Global Service-Learning Award

Description: Awarded to an individual or group that has demonstrated evidence of building global relationships through service-learning. The student or group has provided meaningful service  that has strengthened relationships between Drake University and a community partner (in the U.S. or abroad) while addressing a global pressing issue. This may also include, but is not limited to, international students serving alongside a Des Moines community partner. All global service-learning projects and activities described in this nomination must have taken place during the current academic year.

Submission Requirements:

  • Nominee contact information (project title, student/student organization name, Drake email)
  • Please provide a thorough description of the student/s service and ways in which their contributions to the community were significant. Describe which global issue was addressed and in what capacity.
  • Nominator: In what capacity have you observed this student service project or opportunity? (i.e. your role, faculty, classmate, teammate, etc.)

Outstanding Educational Program Award

Description: The Outstanding Educational Program Award is presented to a University-recognized student organization whose program(s) creatively and positively encouraged the growth of knowledge, understanding, or skill on any issue, topic, or subject among the Drake community.

Submission Requirements:

  • Program Information (title, sponsoring student organization(s), contact names, Drake emails, date of program, and estimated number of attendees)
  • Please describe the program in detail. What made this an exemplary educational program? How did the program present information in a creative, interesting, and informative manner?
  • Nominator: In what capacity have you observed this educational program? (i.e. your role, faculty, classmate, teammate, etc.)

Outstanding Social Program

Description: This award is given to an organization that provides positive social interaction between students, demonstrates strategic planning and creativity, utilizes excellent publicity techniques to reach targeted audiences, and provides an opportunity for social connection among a significant number of Drake University students.

Submission Requirements:

  • Program Information (title, sponsoring student organization(s), contact names, Drake emails, date of program, and estimated number of attendees)
  • Please describe the program in detail, including how it demonstrated strategic planning, creativity, and excellent publicity techniques to reach targeted audiences.
  • What made this an exemplary program? How did the program foster positive student interaction?
  • Nominator: In what capacity have you observed this social program? (i.e. your role, faculty, classmate, teammate, etc.)

Outstanding Equity & Inclusion Program Award

Description: Presented to a student organization that has demonstrated outstanding leadership on issues central to equity. This group seeks to understand voices and perspectives that are historically marginalized on campus, responding to them through the lens of inclusivity and social justice. The award recognizes efforts of a program that enhances campus climate, moving past mere tolerance of diversity and creating a culture of inclusion that sees diversity of identities, backgrounds, and ideas as fundamental to our excellence and success as an institution.

Submission Requirements:

  • Program Information (title, sponsoring student organization(s), contact names, Drake emails, date of program, and estimated number of attendees)
  • How did the program promote, support, or develop educational opportunities related to multicultural understanding, inclusion, and/or and social justice?
  • Nominator: In what capacity have you observed this program? (i.e. your role, faculty, classmate, teammate, etc.)

Outstanding Alcohol Alternative Program Award

Description: This award honors a student organization with a demonstrated commitment to offering alcohol-alternative campus events through a program, initiative, or awareness campaign.

Submission Requirements:

  • Program Information (title, sponsoring student organization(s), contact names, Drake emails, date of program, and estimated number of attendees)
  • Please describe the program in detail. What made this an exemplary program that offered students an engaging alternative to alcohol use?
  • Nominator: In what capacity have you observed this program? (i.e. your role, faculty, classmate, teammate, etc.)

Outstanding Collaboration Award

Description: This award recognizes collaboration between student organizations and/or campus departments as they co-host or sponsor a program, project, or initiative. The collaboration must showcase new and innovative efforts, bringing together student groups and/or campus departments that may not likely intersect in effort to build and strengthen our Drake community. Organizations must show evidence of successfully working together to plan, execute, and evaluate their co-sponsored program efficiently.

Submission Requirements:

  • Program Information (title, sponsoring student organization(s) and/or campus partners, contact names, Drake emails, date of program, and estimated number of attendees)
  • Please describe the program, project, or initiative in detail. How did the groups work together to create the program or initiative? How have their collaborative efforts positively impacted the Drake community?
  • Nominator: In what capacity have you observed this program? (i.e. your role, faculty, classmate, teammate, etc.)
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October 4, 2024