Student Awards

Student Awards

Each year the University community recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of graduating seniors by nominating them for one of the seven student awards. A monetary gift and plaque will accompany each award.  Faculty and staff are invited to consider nominating a student who has excelled while at NKU.

Use the form below to submit a nominee.

REGENTS AWARD

The Regents Award is given to a senior student who has demonstrated professionalism and leadership within the University Community and who has an emphasis on continuation of graduate level work. A minimum grade point average of 3.3 is required. The student may show evidence of the intent to pursue further educational opportunities. This award will be presented upon completion of degree requirements. The award does not have to be given if the committee determines there are no suitable nominees during a particular year. The Northern Kentucky University Board of Regents sponsors this award.

NKU FOUNDATION STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD
The NKU Foundation Student Leadership Award is given to a student leader who has provided outstanding service to the University through student government or other significant student leadership role. Although a specific grade point average is not required, the individual should be strong academically, as their academic record will be considered. The award does not have to be given if the committee determines there are no suitable nominees during a particular year. The NKU Foundation sponsors this award.

PAUL J. SIPES AWARD
The Paul J. Sipes award is presented to an outstanding senior student who displays (through documentation provided by the nominator and nominee) the personal qualities of honesty, character, and industry and who has actively participated in community affairs. The person will also be strong academically, and, although a specific grade point average is not required, the individual’s academic record should be given equal weight along with the listed personal qualities and community involvement. This award will be presented upon completion of degree requirements. The award does not have to be given if the committee determines there are no suitable nominees during a particular year.  The Northern Kentucky University Alumni Association sponsors this award.

UNIVERSITY SERVICE AWARD
The University Service Award is given to a senior student who has provided outstanding service to the University through: (1) student involvement in such areas as sports, fraternity/sorority affiliations, intramural, student government, student organizations, the Northerner, etc.; (2) student involvement in civic organizations or agencies such as Easter Seals, Redwood, Boys Club, YMCA, Boy and Girl Scouts, Welcome House, etc.; and (3) academic achievement such as student publications, student presentations, grade point average, etc. While a minimum grade point average of 3.00 is required, the individual's academic record should be given equal weight with student involvement in both university and community activities. This award will be presented upon completion of degree requirements. The award does not have to be given if the committee determines there are no suitable nominees during a particular year.  The Northern Kentucky University Alumni Association sponsors this award.

EXCELSIOR AWARD
The Excelsior Award is presented to an outstanding senior student who has overcome great obstacles to achieve his/her academic pursuits. These obstacles could be physical, emotional, financial, age, etc. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required. This award will be presented upon completion of degree requirements. The award does not have to be given if the committee determines there are no suitable nominees during a particular year. Student Services sponsors this award.

PRESIDENT'S AWARD
The President’s Award is given to a senior student who has greatly contributed to the development of a strong sense of community at Northern Kentucky University through special efforts to: break down barriers of discrimination, or promote international awareness or promote the interaction of traditional and non- traditional students, or promote diversity, or promote handicap awareness and access. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 is required. This award will be presented upon completion of degree requirements. The award does not have to be given if the committee determines there are no suitable nominees during a particular year. The Office of Student Life sponsors this award.

FACULTY SENATE AWARD
The Faculty Senate Award is given to a senior student who has demonstrated exceptional skills and productivity in an independent study project. An independent study project is defined as a faculty-supervised research or scholarly work, which has as its goal the publication, presentation and/or exhibition of the results. The project should be conducted outside of a formal classroom and last at least one semester, preferably longer. This award will be presented upon completion of degree requirements. This award does not have to be given if the committee determines there are no suitable nominees during a particular year. The Faculty Senate sponsors this award.