Award Categories and Criteria
Source: https://a3c.stanford.edu/programs/saaa/categories Parent: https://a3c.stanford.edu/
"The A³C is a safe space for student leaders to explore their identities and build community and a sense of belonging while also nurturing their passion for giving back to the community through social, political, cultural activities."
CHESTER '00
Undergraduate Awards | Graduate Awards | Faculty Award | Staff Award | Alumni Award
The Stanford Asian American Awards recognizes notable undergraduate students, graduate students, staff and faculty.
Undergraduate Student Awards
Cindy Ng Special Achievement Award
This award recognizes a currently enrolled undergraduate student who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to uplifting and empowering Asian American communities through their visionary contributions in scholarship, advocacy, athletics, extracurricular, and/or creative endeavors. This award is named after Stanford's transformational leader, Cindy Ng, who served as Associate Dean of Students and the inaugural Scott J.J. Hsu Director of the Asian American Activities Center.
Community Building Award
This award recognizes a currently enrolled undergraduate student who has led efforts to foster inclusivity, build connections, and raise awareness of the diverse needs and experiences of the Asian American community.
Gender/Sexuality Issues Award
This award recognizes a currently enrolled undergraduate student who has demonstrated exceptional advocacy in promoting and/or addressing the needs and experiences of Asian American womxn, queer, and/or trans communities and related issues.
Performing/Fine Arts Award
This award recognizes a currently enrolled undergraduate student who has demonstrated great talent, dedication and achievement in the fine/performing arts that promote and/or address the needs and experiences of Asian Americans through their work.
Public Service Award
This award recognizes a currently enrolled undergraduate student who has demonstrated exceptional service and leadership in the local community through public service events or projects that promote and/or address the needs and experiences of Asian American communities.
Research Award
This award recognizes a currently enrolled undergraduate student who has completed research that advances greater understanding and awareness of Asian American issues and experiences. The recipient of the award does not need to be an Asian American studies major/minor, nor to be completing an honor thesis.
Graduate Student Award
Open to currently enrolled graduate students from the Graduate Schools of Business, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Sciences, Law, Medicine, and the Doerr School of Sustainability.
Leadership Award
This award recognizes a currently enrolled graduate student who has been a leader in the Stanford community by making outstanding contributions that advance Asian American issues through their academic, athletic, performing/fine arts, extracurricular, social, political or entrepreneurial endeavors.
Academic Achievement Award
This award, given the Vice Provost of Graduate Education, recognizes a currently enrolled graduate student who has demonstrated excellence in research and/or teaching and has served as a leader or mentor to undergraduate and graduate students.
Faculty Award
This award, given by the Asian American Research Center, recognizes the contributions of an outstanding Stanford faculty member, or lecturer, who has enhanced undergraduate and/or graduate education through advancing understanding of the Asian American experience in their scholarship, teaching, service or mentorship. Recipients of this award can be from any discipline or academic department.
Alumni Award
Emory Lee Alumni Award
This award, given by the Stanford Asian Pacific American Alumni Club, goes to a distinguished alumnus of either Stanford undergraduate or graduate school who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to Stanford and Asian American communities through leadership, service, and/or financial contributions. This award is named after Stanford Multicultural Alumni Hall of Fame inductee Emory Lee '59, MA '64, co-founder of the Stanford Asian Pacific American Alumni Club and decorated public servant who dedicated his life to uplifting students and Asian American communities.
Staff Award (not given in 2026)
Two staff members are recognized for their outstanding contributions and service in promoting awareness of Asian American needs, perspectives, and experiences at Stanford and/or in communities beyond campus. Nominations may be submitted through either or both of the following organizations:
\ If you have any questions regarding categories and/or who qualifies, please contact the A3C Advisory Board.
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