Distinguished Student Award nominations

The Convocation Committee is seeking nominations from faculty and staff for students deserving of the Distinguished Sophomore Award and/or the Distinguished Transfer Student Award for the Fall 2026 New Student Convocation. These awards recognize students for their noteworthy accomplishments during their first year or semester at USI and provide inspiration for the next class of incoming students.

If you know a current freshman or transfer student who would serve as a great role model for the incoming class, please take time to submit their name through the online nomination form.

Students must have started at USI as an undergraduate freshman or transfer student during Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 Semesters. The committee is looking to recognize students who excel in one or more of the following areas:

• Academics (strong interest in learning, setting and accomplishing academic goals)
• Leadership (providing mentorship to others, taking on roles of responsibility)
• Service (dedicating time to community betterment, advocating for a cause, displaying citizenship)
• Ethics (standing up against poor treatment of others, showing good judgement in troubling situations)
• Personal growth (overcoming obstacles and roadblocks, a moment of strong maturity)
• Notable selflessness (providing for others in a moment of need, assisting in a role that receives little to no recognition)
• Innovation/Creativity (shown in ideas generated, projects created approach to an issue)

Several nominated students will be selected for a broad representation from campus. Students who have been nominated will be contacted and asked to provide additional information about what they have accomplished at USI, but the committee will largely select honorees based upon submitted nominations. This award comes with a $1,000 scholarship. 

Click here to complete nominations online. Deadline for submissions is Monday, May 18.