Award Descriptions & Nominations
If you are nominating more than 10 students for the Student Leadership Assembly please use the Multiple Nominations Sheet found here. You can attach the Multiple Nominations sheet to the SLA Nomination form. If you are nominating less than 10 students for the Student Leadership Assembly please complete the SLA Nomination Form for each student.
- Outstanding Contribution to Residential Students
- Outstanding Contribution to Commuter Students
- Outstanding Contribution to Non-Traditional Students
- Outstanding Contribution to Graduate Students
- The Thomas E. Sedler Award
- The Rev. Paul L. O'Connor, S.J. Award
- Silver X-Key Leadership Award
- Gold X-Key Leadership Award
- Zach Wood Award
- David Streicher Spirit of Xavier Award
- Sally Watson Leadership Award
- Wellness Leadership Award
- Ambassador Award
- Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Award
- Dorothy Day Award
- Father Francis J. Finn S.J. Award
- Newman Civic Fellows Award
- Charles J. Ping Community Service Award
- President's Award for Excellence in Leadership
Outstanding Contribution to Residential Students
This award is presented annually to a residential student who, through the course of their experience as a Resident Assistant, Resident Student Association member, and/or community member, has been able to further the mission of the University by improving the on-campus living learning environment
- Candidates must be current Xavier students living in a campus residence hall or apartment for more than a semester.
- Candidates must demonstrate commitment to academic achievement with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above.
- Candidates must be considered in good standing with the University and Office of Residence Life employment expectations.
- Candidates should demonstrate embodiment of the mission and values of the on-campus living and learning environment and the Office of Residence Life.
- Candidates should demonstrate commitment to creating a safe and inclusive community where all people are welcomed, valued and nurtured.
- Candidates should demonstrate exemplary behavior, character, and role modeling.
- Candidates should be positive, collaborative team members who effectively communicate with peers, staff, and administrators.
- Candidates should demonstrate an openness and willingness for self-growth and personal and professional development.
- Candidates will likely demonstrate service to the Xavier community as a Resident Assistant or Resident Student Association member.
Outstanding Contribution to Commuter Students
This award is presented annually to a commuter or off campus student who has provided outstanding leadership to commuter students as a scholar, advocate, community member, and role model.
- Candidates must be current Xavier undergraduate students
- Candidates must identify as traditional commuter students who reside within a 35-mile radius and live with family an/or guardian
- Candidates are actively involved with commuter-related programs and/or initiatives OR other student leadership initiatives at Xavier
- Candidates should be positive members of the broader commuter student community
- Candidates must demonstrate commitment to academic achievement with a cumulative 2.5 GPA or above.
- Candidates must be considered in good standing with the University.
- Candidates work or involvement should exemplify Xavier's mission and/or Jesuit heritage.
Outstanding Contribution to Non-Traditional Students
This award is presented annually to a non-traditional undergraduate student who has provided outstanding leadership to non-traditional undergraduates through service, initiative, and dedication.
- Candidates must be current Xavier University non-traditional undergraduate students, age 24 years and older.
- Candidates must demonstrate commitment to academic achievement with a cumulative 2.5 GPA or above.
- Candidates must be considered in good standing with the University.
- Candidates should be sensitive to the needs of the non-traditional student and advocate for non-traditional student concerns.
- Candidates should support non-traditional students in their efforts to succeed at Xavier and to feel a part of the campus community.
- Candidates should be exemplary role models for the non-traditional student.
- Candidates should provide outstanding service to the University with regard to non-traditional students.
Outstanding Contribution to Graduate Students
This award is presented annually to a graduate student who has provided outstanding leadership to graduate students through service, initiative, and dedication.
- Candidates must be current Xavier University graduate students.
- Candidates must demonstrate commitment to academic achievement with a cumulative 3.5 GPA or above.
- Candidates must be considered in good standing with the University.
- Candidates should be sensitive to the needs of graduate students and advocate for graduate student concerns.
- Candidates should support graduate students in their efforts to succeed at Xavier and to feel a part of the campus community.
- Candidates should be exemplary role models for graduate students.
- Candidates should provide outstanding service to the University with regard to graduate students.
The Thomas E. Sedler Award
An award established by Mr. Thomas E. Sedler, Chief Executive Officer of the Home City Ice Corporation. The recipient of the Sedler award is chosen from top candidates who have demonstrated hard work and enthusiasm during their career at Xavier.
- Candidates must be current Xavier University NCAA student-athletes.
- Candidates must demonstrate hard work and enthusiam in their Xavier career.
- Candidates must be considered in good standing with the University.
- Candidates must be in good standing with their Xavier athletic team.
The Rev. Paul L. O'Connor, S.J. Award
This award, named for Xavier's 29th president, is awarded to a senior male student-athlete and a senior female student-athlete who best exemplify the ideals of Xavier University based upon academic and athletic excellence.
- Candidates must be current Xavier University Senior NCAA student-athletes.
- Candidates must demonstrate academic and athletic excellence.
- Candidates must be considered in good standing with the University.
- Candidates must be in good standing with their Xavier athletic team.
- Candidates must best exemplify the ideals of Xavier University.
Silver X-Key Leadership Award
This award recognizes first year, sophomore or first-year transfer undergraduate students who demonstrate leadership promise through their co-curricular involvement.
- Candidates must be current Xavier University first or second year undergraduates or first-year transfer students.
- Candidates must demonstrate commitment to academic achievement with a cumulative 2.75 GPA or above.
- Candidates must be considered in good standing with the University.
- Candidates must demonstrate leadership promise through co-curricular involvement.
- Candidates should demonstrate the ability to reflect upon their co-curricular learning.
- Candidates should show significant signs of potential as a campus leader.
Gold X-Key Leadership Award
This award recognizes current junior, senior and second-year transfer students who demonstrate exemplary leadership through their co-curricular involvement.
- Candidates must be current Xavier University juniors, seniors or second-year transfer students.
- Candidates must demonstrate commitment to academic achievement with a cumulative 2.75 GPA or above.
- Candidates must be considered in good standing with the University.
- Candidates must demonstrate exemplary leadership through their co-curricular involvement.
- Candidates should demonstrate depth of involvement through growth and responsibility, commitment, and/or leadership in a co-curricular setting.
- Candidates should demonstrate the ability to reflect upon their co-curricular learning.
Zach Wood Award
This award is dedicated to the memory of Zach Wood, a past employee of the Recreational Sports Department, who demonstrated passion and outstanding service and loyalty to the department and related programs. The recipient demonstrates a level of participation and outstanding service and leadership that positively impacts the Recreational Sports Department.
- Candidates must be current Xavier University students.
- Candidates must demonstrate commitment to academic achievement with a cumulative 2.5 GPA or above.
- Candidates must be considered in good standing with the University.
- Candidates should demonstrate outstanding contributions to the Recreational Sports Department.
- Candidates should demonstrate embodiment of the mission and values of the Recreational Sports Department.
- Candidates should demonstrate enhancement of a Recreational Sports Department program, activity, organization, or project.
- Candidates should demonstrate exemplary behavior, character, or role modeling.
David Streicher Spirit of Xavier Award
This award is dedicated to the memory of David B. Streicher. A 1992 graduate, Dave embodied the qualities that make Xavier great: a lifelong pursuit of learning, commitment to service, dedication to the community, faith in God and love for all those around him. Dave was a fountain of energy and an unfailing source of friendship and support. He constantly celebrated life while continuously encouraging his peers to get involved and to make the most of their college experience. The recipient of this award exemplifies these qualities.
- Candidates must be current Xavier University first or second-year students.
- Candidates must demonstrate commitment to academic achievement with a cumulative 2.75 GPA or above.
- Candidates must be considered in good standing with the University.
- Candidates should lead with spirit, enthusiasm, and energy.
- Candidates should actively encourage others to get involved in the campus community.
- Candidates should demonstrate quality co-curricular involvement.
- Candidates should demonstrate loyalty and commitment to Xavier University.
Sally Watson Leadership Award
This award is dedicated to the memory of Sally Watson, Xavier's former Assistant to the Vice President for Student Development and the Director of Orientation. Sally was committed to working with students and helping them grow as student leaders and as caring, thoughtful individuals. Her unselfish leadership style and care for each person were two characteristics that made Sally a much loved colleague, administrator, and friend. The recipient of this award exemplifies these qualities.
- Candidates must be current Xavier University juniors, seniors or second-year transfer students.
- Candidates must demonstrate commitment to academic achievement with a cumulative 2.75 GPA or above.
- Candidates must be considered in good standing with the University.
- Candidates should demonstrate an unselfish leadership style and care for the individual person.
- Candidates should focus on helping other students grow as leaders and as compassionate individuals.
- Candidates should demonstrate quality co-curricular involvement.
- Candidates should demonstrate genuine concern for other students and a commitment to making Xavier a better place.
Kaela Allton Wellness Leadership Award
This award is dedicated to the memory of Kaela Allton, a 2015 graduate of Xavier. While she was a student, Kaela was committed to developing programs and strategies for student wellness on campus, particularly around mental health. Kaela was passionate and dedicated to serving the Xavier community, and was an inspiration to those who knew her. This award is presented annually to a graduating student who has demonstrated consistent and outstanding leadership and exceptional dedication to the support of student wellbeing, embodying the qualities Kaela exemplified.
- Candidates must be current Xavier University graduate or undergraduate students, graduating in the current spring semester.
- Candidates must demonstrate commitment to academic achievement with a cumulative 3.0 GPA or above.
- Candidates must be considered in good standing with the University.
- Candidates should demonstrate consistent and outstanding leadership to positively impact student wellness.
- Candidates should demonstrate service to the Xavier community through their leadership around student well-being issues. Leadershipmay be demonstrated through significant engagement on well-being topics and/or membership in a well-being related organization such as, but not limited to SWAG Peer Educators, Xavier Students Against Sexual Assault, BRAVE Peer Educators, etc.
Ambassador Award
This award honors a student who demonstrates a commitment to internationalizing the campus and increasing cultural awareness through involvement and leadership in campus programs, academic projects and/or community involvement.
- Candidates must be current Xavier University students.
- Candidates must demonstrate commitment to academic achievement with a cumulative 2.75 GPA or above.
- Candidates must be considered in good standing with the University.
- Candidates should actively share a diverse perspective with the Xavier community, especially through academic projects, campus programs, and/or community involvement.
- Candidates should demonstrate the ability to find balance between incorporating themselves into a community which is not their home community while maintaining their sense of cultural identity.
- Candidates should display strong character, follow through on commitments, and serve as a positive example for Xavier students.
- Candidates will likely have had an international experience
Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Award
This award is presented annually to a student who has significantly contributed to creating a campus culture of diversity and inclusion. The recipient demonstrates an ability to educate the campus about diversity and inclusion issues and build coalitions across difference.
- Candidates must be current Xavier University students.
- Candidates must demonstrate commitment to academic achievement with a cumulative 3.0 GPA or above.
- Candidates must be considered in good standing with the University.
- Candidates should demonstrate leadership that speaks to the mission of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion:
"The mission of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion is to serve as a catalyst for social change at Xavier and beyond. Our space and initiatives foster the development and understanding of: Cura Personalis, Belonging, Leadership, and Transformative Justice. We charge the entire campus to engage academically and socially across the intersections of race, class, sexual orientation, and gender identity."
Eligibility Period: Students are nominated for their contributions from January 2021 through January 2022
Dorothy Day Award
Named for the co-founder of the Catholic Worker movement, this award honors two graduating students who embody a commitment to deepening their spirituality, pursuing justice, and promoting pluralism.
Questions about eligibility criteria for this award and for details on how to nominate, contact Katie Minning in the Center for Faith and Justice at minning@xavier.edu or ext. 3567.
- Candidates must be current Xavier University undergraduate students, graduating in spring 2022.
- Candidates must demonstrate commitment to academic achievement with a cumulative 2.5 GPA or above.
- Candidates must be considered in good standing with the University.
- Candidates should embody the three tenets of the Center for Faith and Justice Mission: deepening spirituality, pursuing justice, and promoting pluralism.
- Candidates should demonstrate outstanding contributions to programs from the Center for Faith and Justice.
Father Francis J. Finn, S.J. Award
This award is named for a remarkable Jesuit priest, who, during the 1920s, served as pastor of St. Xavier Church and was a member of the Xavier Board of Trustees. He was a noted author of books for young Catholics. This award is presented by the Xavier National Alumni Association to a member of the graduating class who best exemplifies the qualities of Fr. Finn's fictional heroes: strong spiritual values, leadership, and breadth of interest.
- Candidates must be current Xavier University undergraduates, graduating in spring 2022.
- Candidates must demonstrate commitment to academic achievement.
- Candidates must be considered in good standing with the University.
- Candidates should exemplify the qualities of Father Finn's fictional heroes: strong spiritual values, leadership, and breadth of interest.
Newman Civic Fellows Award
The Newman Civic Fellows Award is sponsored by Campus Compact, in memory of Frank Newman. This award honors inspiring college student leaders who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities through service, research and advocacy. It recognizes student leaders who seek to make the most of their college experiences to better understand themselves, the root cause of social issues and effective mechanisms for creating lasting change.
- Candidates must be current Xavier University undergraduates with at least one year of their education remaining.
- Candidates should demonstrate engagement in collaborative action with others from campus and/or surrounding communities to create long-term social change.
- Candidates should be committed to addressing issues of inequality and political polarization.
- Candidates should demonstrate the motivation and potential for effective long-term civic engagement.
- Candidates must be considered in good standing with the University.
Charles J. Ping Community Service Award
The Charles J. Ping Award recognizes and honors undergraduate students for their outstanding leadership and contributions to community service or service-learning on their campus and within their community. This award is granted annually to one undergraduate per Ohio Campus Compact member institution.
- Candidates must be current Xavier University undergraduate students.
- Candidates should demonstrate exemplary community service or service-learning.
- Candidates should demonstrate understanding of a community need and sustainable processes to meet that need.
- Candidates must be considered in good standing with the University.
President's Award for Excellence in Leadership
Recognizing Xavier's highest achieving students, these awards are given annually to junior, senior and graduate students, who have demonstrated outstanding overall service, scholarship, and leadership for the benefit of the Xavier community during their collegiate career.
- Candidates must be current Xavier University juniors, seniors or graduate students.
- Candidates must demonstrate commitment to academic achievement with a cumulative 3.0 GPA or above.
- Candidates must be considered in good standing with the University.
- Candidates must demonstrate outstanding leadership as measured by the quality, impact, and legacy of their contributions.
- Candidates should demonstrate exceptional scholarship through academic research, publications, and/or presentations.
- Candidates should demonstrate outstanding service to the Xavier community.
- Candidates should demonstrate exceptional initiative, creativity, and/or problem solving ability.
- Candidates should demonstrate co-curricular involvement through growth in responsibility, commitment, and/or leadership.
- Candidates should demonstrate ability to reflect upon their co-curricular learning.
- Candidates should demonstrate exemplary behavior, character, and/or role modeling.