Involvement Awards

This award recognizes one specific event, put on by a student organization that created purposeful engagement that fosters meaningful relationships, personal growth, and a lifelong curiosity.

Nominations should:

• Demonstrate how building relationships and personal growth are prioritized during the event
• Evaluate how members are engaged and explains the level of impact on attendees and the community
• Exemplify continued attention and effort put forth by the organization to bring awareness to lifelong curiosity

This award recognizes a specific event, put on by a student organization, that promotes mental health, physical health, and well-being for its members and/or the entire student body.

Nominations should:

• Share how the organization addressed the need for health and wellness promotion through this event as it relates to its mission and values 
• Provide evidence of an event, program, or initiative put on by the organization and explain the impact/results
• Evaluate the need for this event and explains the execution of the event

This award recognizes one specific event, put on by a student organization, that prepares Gators for work, citizenship, and life beyond UF and empowers students to uniquely contribute to an ever-changing global community.

Nominations should:

• Demonstrate how this event prepares gators for the workforce during and after their time at the University of Florida
• Describe how citizenship is important through interdependence, social responsibility, active engagement with a community, and an ethic of care
• Explain how students uniquely contribute to an ever-changing global community through the event

This award recognizes an event put on by a student organization that aimed at making students feel a sense of belonging with peers, the organization, and/or the campus community.

Nominations should:

• Describe how the event fostered a welcoming environment that aided students in feeling a sense of belonging
• Explain how the event valued a variety of student needs and voices
• Provide evidence of event impact for attendees

This award recognizes an event, put on by a student organization, that has contributed to the University, surrounding Gainesville community, or beyond. The event was created by the organization with the mission of serving others. The student organization identified a need in a community and has acted in a specific and unique way through an event, program, or initiative.

Nominations should:

• Share how the organization addressed the identified need through an event, program, or initiative
• Describe the education or training of members related to the need and community
• Provide evidence of event, program, or initiative impact/results
• Evaluate the quality of the lasting effects of the event, program, or initiative

This award recognizes a student organization that has brought a brand new and innovative program or initiative to the University of Florida campus or Gainesville community. The innovative event, program or initiative has a record of its impact that highlights the mission statement of UF’s Division of Student Life: The University of Florida Division of Student Life champions meaningful experiences that foster community connection, career design and lifelong wellbeing.

Nominations should:

• Identify and explain a connection to the Division of Student Life mission statement
• List the new audience(s) and explains the purpose, goals, and/or objectives of the event
• Demonstrate the event or a similar event has not been done in the last four years
• Provide evidence of impact or success

This award recognizes a student organization that has evaluated or repeated an existing program, initiative, or tradition to the University of Florida campus or Gainesville community in an innovative and reimagined way. The student organization has a record of impact the program, initiative, or tradition has and highlights the Division of Student Life mission statement: The University of Florida Division of Student Life champions meaningful experiences that foster community connection, career design and lifelong wellbeing.

The nomination event MUST be a recurring event for this organization.

Nominations should:

• Identify and explains a connection to the mission of the Division of Student Life
• Describe in detail the event and how the event addresses updated and/or ever-changing audiences, and/or needs of campus
• Identify why this event exists every year and the innovative ways it is elevated
• Provide evidence of impact or success

This award recognizes a student organization who brought together other student organizations, university departments, and/or other campus partners through a program, service, or event.

Nominations should:

• Demonstrate successful collaborative efforts with other organizations, university departments, or other campus partners
• Explain the purpose of the collaboration
• Offer results of collaboration on the organization or population they serve
• Share the benefits to the University of Florida community

This award recognizes a student organization demonstrating excellence in professional development through workshops, conferences, training, or curriculum, provided to the organization’s members.

Nominations should:

• Describe the workshop, conference, training, or curriculum designed for skill enhancement of members in detail
• Explain how the workshop, conference, training, or curriculum benefitted the mission and members of the organization with specific examples related to content and activities
• Evaluate the quality of the program, initiative, or event

This award recognizes a student organization that promotes mental health, physical health, and overall well-being for its student membership or within the campus community through education, access to resources, and/or internal initiatives.

Nominations should:

• Share how the organization addressed the need for health and wellness promotion
• Provide evidence of education, outreach, and/or initiatives related to health awareness and explains the impact/results for its members
• Evaluate and express the importance of health education for organizational members of the organization, detailing strategies used to promote well-being

This award recognizes a student organization that fosters community within the organization by building connections among members, connecting members to university resources, and prepares members to create connections that develop their future pursuits beyond UF.

Nominations should:

• Demonstrate how the organization welcomes new members and connects them to current members
• Explain opportunities for members to learn about, utilize, and engage with university resources and services
• Enable members to develop relevant skills and connections for their pursuits after graduation
• Seek and incorporate member feedback into the organization’s operations

This award recognizes a student organization that has committed itself to service to the University, surrounding Gainesville community, or beyond. The student organization identified a need in a community and acted.

Nominations should:

• Share how the organization’s mission and values related to an identified need within a community
• Describe the education or training of members related to the need and community
• Provide evidence of the positive change it made on members, and the community through education, outreach, initiative or resource(s) and how the organization evaluates the impact/results
• Demonstrate how the organization imparts the importance of community engagement for organizational members in the identified need/community

This award recognizes a student organization that has been a registered student organization for fewer than three (3) years and has demonstrated a notable impact that corresponds to the organization’s mission and vision.

Word Count – max 1,000 words

Nominations should:

• Address why there was a need for this organization
• Showcase unique mission and purpose that addresses an unmet need at the University of Florida
• Demonstrating strong visibility in the campus community with opportunities provided to students
• Explain how the organization contributes to the University’s mission

This award recognizes a student organization that is classified as UNIVERSITY-SPONSORED and exemplifies UF’s Division of Student Life mission: The University of Florida Division of Student Life champions meaningful experiences that foster community connection, career design and lifelong wellbeing. The organization must demonstrate the positive impact is has made on its members, tis host department/university unit, and the UF community through the intentional development and engagement of its activities, service, resources, and events.

Word Count – max 1,000 words

Nominations should:

• Explain successful recruitment and retention of organization members
• Show the impact on the campus community
• Explain leadership opportunities provided through membership
• Showcase contributions to furthering the mission of the University of Florida

This award recognizes a student organization that is classified as GENERAL and overall exemplifies UF’s Division of Student Life mission: The University of Florida Division of Student Life champions meaningful experiences that foster community connection, career design and lifelong wellbeing. The organization must demonstrate the positive impact is has made on its members, tis host department/university unit, and the UF community through the intentional development and engagement of its activities, service, resources, and events.

Word Count – max 1,000 words

Nominations should:

• Explain successful recruitment and retention of organization members
• Show the impact on the campus community
• Explain leadership opportunities provided through membership
• Showcase contributions to furthering the mission of the University of Florida

This award recognizes the outstanding contributions of a student organization advisor to a student organization. Student Engagement will personally invite the student organization’s advisor if they are selected to receive the award. The student organization will also be notified before the award ceremony.

Word Count – max 1,000 words

Nominations should:

• Showcase the Advisor’s impact on the organization
• Demonstrate the Advisor’s commitment to the development of the organization and its members
• Explain how the Advisor is accessible to members and has a presence in organization meetings and events
• Must serve as an advisor for the organization for at least two years continuously 

In recognition of the Division of Student Life mission statement, The University of Florida Division of Student Life champions meaningful experiences that foster community connection, career design and lifelong wellbeing, this award recognizes the outstanding contribution of a student leader who is not currently serving, nor has previously served as an officer of the organization and embodies their organization’s mission in their contribution within and to a student organization.

Word Count – max 1,000 words

Nominations should:

• Showcase the member’s contribution to the organization
• Explain how the member embodies the purpose of the organization
• Identify the member’s desire to develop skills and knowledge that would further the organization
• Display the member’s initiative in addressing the needs of the organization

This award recognizes the outstanding contribution of a student leader who is currently serving on the executive board of a student organization and embodies their organization’s mission in their contribution within and to a student organization.

Word Count – max 1,000 words

Nominations should:

• Showcase the offers contribution to the organization
• Explain the officer’s ability to motivate others
• Demonstrate initiative and change made as an officer
• Describe the officer’s impact on the membership
• Demonstrate the officer’s commitment to being a role model

This award recognizes various Juniors and Seniors, Graduate and Professional Students who have shown dedication, leadership qualities, service to others, and has begun to have a long-lasting impact on the campus community through their involvement at the University of Florida.

Qualifications for Nominees:

• Be in good standing with the University of Florida. The University of Florida considers students to be in academic good standing if they are eligible to continue or to re-enroll at the university, and free of conduct probation.
• Minimum 2.0 GPA overall
• Have earned at least 60 credit hours at the University of Florida
• Submission of ALL application materials after nomination (resume & essay)

Nomination Process:

•  A Junior, Senior, Graduate or Professional Student can be nominated by any student, student organization, faculty, or staff member
• Once nominated, the student leader will receive an email from Student Engagement asking them to apply for this award

Nominations should include in less than 500 words, how has the Student Leader:

• Demonstrated leadership to the University of Florida through outstanding performances as a member of a student organization or university program
• Impacted the student organization or university program
• Showcased service to others through the nominee’s involvement
• Contributed to an improvement or positive change in the university community

Once nominated, the nominee must apply and include an application:

• Resume: No more than 1 page, highlighting only accomplishments during your time attending the University of Florida.
• Essay: No more than 1,000 words addressing how your involvement at the University of Florida has impacted yourself and the campus community through leadership and service.

This award recognizes various freshmen and sophomores who have shown dedication, leadership qualities, service to others, and has begun to have a long-lasting impact on the campus community through their involvement at the University of Florida.

Qualifications for Nominees:

• Be in good standing with the University of Florida. The University of Florida considers students to be in academic good standing if they are eligible to continue or to re-enroll at the university, and free of conduct probation.
• Minimum 2.0 GPA overall
• Have earned no more than 60 credit hours at the University of Florida
• Submission of ALL application materials after nomination (resume & essay)

Nomination Process:

•  A Freshman or Sophomore can be nominated by any student, student organization, faculty, or staff member
• Once nominated, the student leader will receive an email from Student Engagement asking them to apply for this award

Nominations should include in less than 500 words, how has the Student Leader:

• Demonstrated leadership to the University of Florida through outstanding performances as a member of a student organization or university program
• Impacted the student organization or university program
• Showcased service to others through the nominee’s involvement
• Contributed to an improvement or positive change in the university community

Once nominated, the nominee must apply and include an application:

• Resume: No more than 1 page, highlighting only accomplishments during your time attending the University of Florida.
• Essay: No more than 1,000 words addressing how your involvement at the University of Florida has impacted yourself and the campus community through leadership and service.

The late William G. Cross served the University of Florida community for more than 25 years until his retirement in 1988. During his tenure at UF, Mr. Cross held the Assistant Dean of Men role, until promoted to the Director of Student Activities and Involvement and Associate Director of the J. Wayne Reitz Union from 1967-1988. As the Director of Student Activities, he served as the advisor to the Interfraternity Council, Student Government, and Florida Blue Key and worked closely with Homecoming and Gator Growl. Mr. Cross valued the student experience and believed students could improve the quality of campus life through their involvement in extracurricular activities. It is in this spirit Student Engagement looks to honor William G. Cross’s legacy at the University of Florida by recognizing an exceptional student of the UF community that has demonstrated outstanding leadership through involvement and co-curricular activating during their time at the University of Florida. 

Award Description

The William G. Cross Award recognizes an outstanding student of the University of Florida community that has demonstrated outstanding leadership through involvement and co-curricular activities at the University of Florida. The recipient who qualifies and is selected will receive a $1,500 award to support their University of Florida student experience.

Award Criteria

• Minimum 2.5 overall GPA
• Meets requirements to be an eligible student organization officer per university policy. See Officer Eligibility criteria.
• Be in good standing with the University of Florida.
• The University of Florida considers students to be in academic good standing if they are eligible to continue or to re-enroll at the university, and are free of conduct probation.
• Demonstrates leadership to the University of Florida through outstanding performances as a student organization officer and/or leader.

Application Requirements

• Current Involvement Resume (Must highlight ONLY accomplishments during their time attending the University of Florida.)
• Essay: No more than 500 words, addressing how your on-campus involvement has prepared you to achieve success post-graduation through meaningful experiences that foster community connection, career design and/or lifelong wellbeing.
• Interview: Completion of a 45-minute interview, if selected as a top candidate.

• Campus Collaborator – Dance Marathon
• Excellence in Health and Wellness by an Organization – Grieving Gator
• Excellence in Health and Wellness through an Event – Eta Sigma Gamma
• Excellence in Membership Engagement – Women in Computer Science and Engineering
• “Greater Good” Event of the Year – Vietnamese Student Organization
• “Greater Good” Organization of the Year – The Bilingual Brain
• Leaving a Legacy Award – Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
• “Life-Long Learner” – Excellence in Career Readiness – Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers
• Most Innovative New Event – Freshman Leadership Council
• Outstanding “Community Connection” Event – Special Olympics College
• New Student Organization of the Year – Medical Anesthesia Association
• Student Organization of the Year (USSO) – Generational Relief in Prosthetics
• Student Organization of the Year (GRSO) – Vietnamese Student Organization
• Advisor of the Year – Dr. Ginessa Mahar
• Member of the Year – Ishan Kumthehar
• Officer of the Year – Katherine Kim
• William G. Cross Student Leadership Award – Stephanie Manrique
• Career Catalyst Award – SwampHacks
• Community & Belonging Event – Best Buddies
• Emerging Gator Award – Trunk Nguyen, Syed Ali, Mahzabeen Choudhury, Ashley Sosa
• Distinguished Engagement Award – Fabian Estrada, Matheus Kunzler Maldaner, Victoria Medina Laguardo, Matthew Thweatt

• Campus Collaborator – Gator Chapter of NAACP
• Excellence in Health and Wellness by an Organization – Generation Action
• Excellence in Health and Wellness through an Event – SKY
• Excellence in Membership Engagement – Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers
• “Greater Good” Event of the Year – Generational Relief in Prosthetics
• “Greater Good” Organization of the Year – Women Building Women
• Leaving a Legacy Award – Circle K International
• “Life-Long Learner” – Excellence in Career Readiness – Pre-Dental Society
• Most Innovative New Event – Gator User Design
• Outstanding “Community Connection” Event – Indian Graduate Student Association
• New Student Organization of the Year – Student Alliance of Graduates in Education
• Student Organization of the Year (USSO) – Women Computer Science and Engineering
• Student Organization of the Year (GRSO) – Data Science and Informatics
• Advisor of the Year – Mariela Pajuelo
• Member of the Year – Isabella Villa Urrego
• Officer of the Year – Mikhail Mikhaylov
• William G. Cross Student Leadership Award – Nyla Searl
• Career Catalyst Award – SACNAS Florida Chapter
• Community & Belonging Event – Best Buddies
• Emerging Gator Award – Anjani Sharma, My Pham, Tiana Casseus
• Distinguished Engagement Award – Gadhaun Aslam, Jordan Bryant, Kole Temple

• Campus Collaborator – Center for Undergraduate Research Board of Students
• Excellence in Health and Wellness by an Organization – Weightlifting Club
• Excellence in Health and Wellness through an Event – Argentine Student Association
• Excellence in Membership Engagement – Freshman Leadership Council
• “Greater Good” Event of the Year – Pre-Physician Assistant Association
• “Greater Good” Organization of the Year – Social Entrepreneurship Students
• Leaving a Legacy Award – Circle K International
• “Life-Long Learner” – Excellence in Career Readiness – Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers
• Most Innovative New Event – Theme Park Engineering & Design Club
• Outstanding “Community Connection” Event – Soil & Water Sciences Graduate Student Association
• New Student Organization of the Year – A Private Inn
• Student Organization of the Year (USSO) – Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers
• Student Organization of the Year (GRSO) – Filipino Student Association
• Advisor of the Year – Stephan Mullens
• Member of the Year – Sophia Dong
• Officer of the Year – Minuet Greenberg
• William G. Cross Student Leadership Award – Megan Steele

• Campus Collaborator – Asian American Student Union
• Event Legacy – Environmental Horticulture Club
• Excellence in Health and Wellness by an Organization – Down to Dance
• Excellence in Health and Wellness through an Event – South Florida Graduate Student Organization
• Excellence in Membership Engagement – Pre-Physician Assistant Association
• “Greater Good” Event of the Year – BLUE Missions
• “Greater Good” Organization of the Year – Grace Advocacy Program
• Inclusive Excellence – Collective for the Advancement of Minority Medical Students
• “Life-Long Learner” – Excellence in Career Readiness – Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
• Most Innovative Event – Circle K International
• New Student Organization of the Year – Passionate Musicians on Call
• Outstanding Impact of an Event – Mexican-American Student Association
• Outstanding Impact of an Organization – Florida Not One More
• Student Organization of the Year (USSO) – Generational Relief in Prosthetics
• Student Organization of the Year (GRSO) – Vietnamese Student Organization
• Advisor of the Year – Dr. Kellie Roberts
• Member of the Year – Derek Zhang
• Officer of the Year – Marion Hagstrom
• William G. Cross Student Leadership Award – Ga’Shanti Bright

• Adaptability – Solace
• Advisor of the Year – Sarah Forron, Dance Marathon
• Gator Connect – Society of Women Engineers
• Greater Good – Food Recovery Network
• Impact – The Gator Chapter of the NAACP
• Inclusive Excellence – The Gator Chapter of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society
• Innovative Event – Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
• Member of the Year – Sydney ElDeiry, Tea Literary & Arts Magazine
• New Student Organization of the Year – Ecuadorian Culture and Heritage Association
• Officer of the Year – Ashley Ferrato, Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club
• Professional Development – American Physician Scientists Association
• Student Organization of the Year – Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers

• Adaptability – Majors’ Council
• Advisor of the Year – Dr. Mary Kay Caroline, Asian American Student Union
• Campus Collaborator – Asian American Student Union
• Gator Connect – Korean Student Association
• Greater Good – Progressive Black Men Inc.
• Impact – Islam on Campus
• Inclusive Excellence – The Gator Chapter of NAACP
• Innovative Event – Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
• Member of the Year – Olivia Paige Leaverton, Cicle K International 
• New Student Organization of the Year – Gator Against Poverty
• Officer of the Year – Sofia Goodrich, Student Chapter of the Polymer and Polymer Materials Science and Engineering Divisions ACS
• Professional Development – American Physician Scientists Association
• Student Organization of the Year – Dream Team Engineering