Student Engagement Awards
The Student Engagement Awards celebrate the individuals, organizations, and programs that help make the University of Richmond a vibrant and engaged campus community. These awards recognize leadership, collaboration, creativity, service, and the many ways our organizations contribute to building a positive and impactful Spider experience.
Each year, students, faculty, and staff are invited to nominate individuals and organizations whose efforts have strengthened the Richmond community through meaningful programs, leadership, and engagement.
Unless otherwise noted, these awards are open to registered student organizations, fraternity and sorority life chapters, and provisional student organizations, in good standing, and their members.
The award categories and descriptions can be found below. Please contact involved@richmond.edu with any questions.
Organization Awards
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The Quigg Award for Outstanding Community Service
The Quigg Award for Outstanding Community Service recognizes a student organization that demonstrates an exceptional commitment to serving others and supporting the broader community. This award honors organizations that engage in thoughtful philanthropic work and build meaningful relationships with community partners to address real and ongoing needs.
Organizations recognized with the Quigg Award go beyond individual service events. They invest in sustained partnerships, contribute their time and talents in meaningful ways, and help foster a culture of social responsibility within the University of Richmond community.
The organization selected for this award will receive a $2,500 financial award to further support its philanthropic or community service initiatives.
To be considered for the Quigg Award, an organization must:
- Be a registered student organization or chapter in good standing with the University of Richmond
- Demonstrate noteworthy or exemplary philanthropic or community service work during the current academic year
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Chapter of the Year
The Chapter of the Year Award recognizes a fraternity or sorority chapter that exemplifies excellence across all aspects of chapter life and contributes positively to the broader University of Richmond community.
The recipient demonstrates a strong commitment to academic success, member development, responsible chapter management, and positive engagement within the fraternity and sorority community. This chapter models what it means to be an active, values-driven member of Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Richmond.
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New Organization of the Year Award
The New Organization of the Year Award recognizes a recently established student organization that has made an immediate and positive impact on campus. Registered student organizations in their first year and provisional student organizations are eligible to apply.
Despite being new to the student organization community, the recipient demonstrates strong leadership, thoughtful programming, and a clear sense of purpose. This organization has successfully built momentum while contributing to the vibrancy of student life at the University of Richmond.
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Student Organization of the Year Award
The Student Organization of the Year Award recognizes a registered student organization that has demonstrated exceptional leadership, impact, and engagement within the University of Richmond community during the academic year.
This award honors an organization that has made meaningful contributions to campus life through thoughtful programming, strong leadership, and a commitment to building community. The recipient demonstrates effective teamwork, responsible organizational management, and a clear dedication to advancing the mission and goals of their organization.
Organizations considered for this award have created programs, initiatives, or experiences that enrich the student experience, strengthen connections across campus, and contribute positively to the broader Richmond community.
To be considered for the Student Organization of the Year Award, an organization must:
- Be a registered student organization in good standing with the University of Richmond
- Demonstrate outstanding contributions to campus life during the current academic year
Fraternity and sorority chapters are not eligible for this award.
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Innovation Award
The Innovation Award recognizes a student organization that demonstrated creativity, originality, and forward-thinking approaches in its programming, operations, or outreach.
This award celebrates organizations that experiment with new ideas, explore creative solutions, and bring fresh energy to the student experience.
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Campus Change Award
The Campus Change Award recognizes a student organization that has demonstrated a strong commitment to creating meaningful and positive change within the University of Richmond community.
Through education, advocacy, or action, the recipient has worked to make campus more inclusive, informed, and supportive for all students. This organization uses its voice and leadership to address important issues and inspire thoughtful dialogue and progress.
Individual Leadership Awards
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Outstanding President Award
The Outstanding President Award honors a student organization president who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to their organization and the broader campus community.
This leader sets a strong example through effective communication, thoughtful planning, and the ability to inspire and support their fellow members. Their leadership strengthens the organization’s impact and contributes to a positive and engaged campus environment.
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Greek Leader of the Year
The Greek Leader of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding fraternity or sorority president who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and vision in guiding their chapter.
This leader models the values of fraternity and sorority life while fostering a supportive and engaged chapter community. Through their leadership, they strengthen their organization, contribute positively to the Greek community, and help create a more inclusive and responsible student experience at the University of Richmond.
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Emerging Student Leader of the Year
The Emerging Student Leader of the Year Award recognizes a student who has shown exceptional initiative, growth, and leadership potential within a student organization.
This award celebrates students who are developing their leadership voice and making a meaningful impact early in their leadership journey.
Organization presidents are not eligible for this award.
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Advisor of the Year
The Advisor of the Year Award recognizes a faculty or staff advisor who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting and mentoring a student organization.
Outstanding advisors provide guidance, encouragement, and perspective while empowering students to lead their organizations successfully. Through their mentorship, they help create meaningful student experiences and contribute to the growth and sustainability of student organizations.
Registered Student Organization advisors and Fraternity and Sorority Life advisors are eligible for this award.
Program Awards
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Program of the Year Award
The Program of the Year Award recognizes a student organization that planned and executed an exceptional event or initiative that made a meaningful impact on the University of Richmond community.
This award celebrates thoughtful planning, creativity, and purposeful programming that aligns with an organization’s mission while creating an engaging and memorable experience for participants. The program may focus on community building, awareness, education, or celebration.
Programs co-sponsored by a department or other student organization are eligible for nomination.
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Educational Program of the Year
The Educational Program of the Year Award recognizes a student organization that created an engaging and impactful learning experience for the campus community.
The winning program demonstrates creativity, thoughtful planning, and a commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue and intellectual growth. Programs may include workshops, speakers, panels, or interactive learning experiences that encourage participants to explore new ideas or perspectives.
Campus Choice Awards
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Mic Drop Moment
Recognizes a speaker, performance, or moment that captured the attention of the campus community and left a lasting impression. -
Most Post Worthy Event
Celebrates a program that created a visually creative, aesthetic, or memorable experience that students couldn’t stop sharing. -
Best Vibes Award
Recognizes the event or organization that created the most welcoming, fun, and positive atmosphere for the campus community. -
SpiderBoard Event of the Year
Recognizes a standout program hosted by SpiderBoard that brought the campus community together through creativity, energy, and strong engagement.