Student Leadership Awards

Source: https://dso.college.harvard.edu/student-leadership-awards Parent: https://dso.college.harvard.edu/student-activities

Student Leadership Awards

Every spring, the Dean of Students Office celebrates and recognizes individuals and student organizations across the College who demonstrate outstanding leadership and significant contributions to student life. Nominations are accepted every March and can be submitted by any member of the College community.

Join us for the 2026 Student Leadership Awards!

In partnership with students and colleagues, the Dean of Students Office (DSO) cultivates engagement, belonging, and respect; fosters an integrated living and learning community; and inspires self-discovery among Harvard College students.

The students featured here exemplify the core pillars of the Dean of Students Office - inclusion, collaboration, integrity, and excellence - in their leadership and engagement within our community and the world.

2026 Award Nomination Process

Nominations will be accepted from any member of the College community, including, but not limited to: students, professors, tutors, proctors, teaching fellows, and deans. The Nomination Form will open on Friday, February 13, 2026.

To nominate a student or student organization for an award, complete the online nomination form, including:

• General information about yourself (name and email address).
• Name of the nominee.
• A brief statement describing your nominee and how they exemplify the award criteria. Your statement should highlight the unique qualities of your nominee and answer why you believe they deserve this award.

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The award selection committee will review all nominations submitted by the deadline. Nominees will be contacted by the committee and asked to accept their nomination. To assist with the selection process, nominees may be asked to either meet with a member of the committee, or submit a short personal statement about experiences on campus related to the award criteria.

2026 award winners will be recognized at a reception on May 6th.Award winners may invite their friends, proctor/tutor, dean, and/or adviser to attend as well.

Award Categories

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First-Year Civic Engagement Award expand_more

Given to the first-year student who has encouraged a spirit of public service in the first-year class through individual service and a commitment to equality, benevolence, and public welfare. This student works to strengthen unity and service amongst their classmates, as well as in the larger community.

First-Year Creativity Award expand_more

Given to the first-year student who shows exceptional talent or promise in drama, drawing, film, music, painting, photography, sculpture, writing, or in further facets of artistic expression. The student may have produced work that has contributed to the Harvard community and/or addressed issues of social justice and community betterment.

First-Year Emerging Global Leader Award expand_more

Given to the first-year student who has demonstrated outstanding involvement and initiative in a context of internationalism at Harvard. This student shows unwavering dedication to building a stronger global community at the College by contributing to the overall academic and social experience of their classmates. In addition, he/she champions the rich, worldwide diversity in the class, and strives to make the Harvard community inclusive for all students.

First-Year Veritas Award expand_more

Given to the first-year student who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to intellectual curiosity inside and outside the classroom. Devoted to liberal arts exploration and multidisciplinary inquiry, this student is intellectually adventurous, holds him/herself to a high standard of academic excellence and integrity in the search for truth, and encourages a vibrant and ever-aspiring learning community.

Bonds and Bridges Award expand_more

This award honors a student and/or group who exemplifies Harvard’s value of cultivating the bonds and bridges that enable all to grow and learn from one another. The recipient actively advances inclusion, belonging, and community as relational practices by intentionally engaging across differences, participating in dialogue and feedback processes, and fostering an inclusive living and learning environment. Through principled leadership and everyday acts of care and collaboration, this individual deepens our collective understanding, strengthens our shared values, and helps create an environment where every person can learn, thrive, and contribute at Harvard College.

Student Organization of the Year expand_more

The Organization of the Year Award recognizes a student-led organization that has demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and commitment to the values of Harvard College through a series of distinct, high-impact events. This award celebrates an organization that consistently delivered purposeful, well-articulated programming—each event unique in vision, yet united by a clear dedication to student empowerment and campus engagement. Through intentional planning, strong leadership, and innovative execution, this organization elevated the undergraduate experience and set a standard for what it means to lead with purpose, integrity, and impact within the College community.

Outstanding New Organization Award expand_more

The Outstanding New Organization Award celebrates a newly founded student organization that, in less than one year, has made an outsized contribution to the vibrancy and engagement of Harvard College. This award recognizes a group that moved quickly from idea to impact—building an active membership, fostering collaboration across campus, and creating visible, inclusive programming that extended well beyond its own community. Through consistent engagement, innovative programming, and a strong public presence, this organization demonstrated not only ambition, but a deep commitment to student leadership and campus connection, setting a remarkable foundation for years to come.

Program/Event of the Year expand_more

The Program/Event of the Year Award honors a singular, student-led initiative that exemplifies the very best of Harvard College engagement, inclusivity, and empowerment. This award recognizes a one-time, thoughtfully designed event that reached broadly across the undergraduate community, drawing significant participation and campus-wide awareness while centering the needs, voices, and experiences of College students. Through clear purpose, intentional outreach, and strong student leadership, this program created meaningful opportunities for connection, learning, or celebration, leaving a lasting impact on campus life beyond the moment itself. It stands as a powerful example of how student vision and initiative can galvanize the College community in new and transformative ways.

Legacy & Traditions Award expand_more

The Legacy & Traditions Award honors a long-standing student organization whose sustained excellence has helped shape the cultural fabric of Harvard College for over a decade. This award recognizes an organization that has continuously evolved while remaining grounded in its founding mission—welcoming new generations of students, empowering leaders year after year, and delivering impactful, large-scale programming that resonates across the entire College. Through enduring traditions, inclusive values, and a clear commitment to student empowerment, this organization exemplifies how legacy is built not through repetition alone, but through thoughtful growth, adaptability, and unwavering dedication to community.

Senior Veritas Award expand_more

Given to a senior who has shown exceptional commitment to intellectual curiosity through a thoughtful choice of academic and extracurricular activities. Through their commitment to a rigorous intellectual process, this student has shown others how to hold themselves to a high standard of excellence in their expression of ideas, encouraging a vibrant and inspirational community.

Spirit of Harvard College Award expand_more

Given to a sophomore or junior who has shown a commitment to the ideals articulated in the mission of Harvard College and who inspires others by their example throughout their time at Harvard. This award recognizes this individual's significant campus leadership contributions to integrate the intellectual, social, and personal transformation toward the betterment of all Harvard College students.

Harvard Foundation Women's Leadership Impact Award expand_more

Honors a student(s) in Harvard College of any gender who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing the success of women, and has made a significant impact on fellow students, the campus, and/or the broader community. They have set an exemplary standard of leadership that inspires and empowers others at Harvard College to assume leadership roles and to promote gender equity.

Harvard Foundation Distinguished Senior Award expand_more

Given to member(s) of the graduating class who have been outstanding campus leaders and demonstrated significant contributions toward advancing intercultural understanding throughout their tenure at Harvard. The ideal candidates will have a proven record of public leadership through cross-cultural programming within their service, academic, and/or extracurricular student organization(s).

Culture and Community Student Organization Award expand_more

Presented to a student organization whose contributions and campus efforts exemplify the values and ideals of the Harvard Foundation. The ideal candidate(s) will demonstrate a meaningful and positive impact on building community across differences, fostering curiosity, and enabling meaningful exchanges of ideas.

Club Sport Athlete of the Year expand_more

This award honors the student-athlete who epitomizes exceptional talent and unwavering commitment within Harvard's club sports community. Through outstanding athletic performance and dedication, this individual not only advances the mission of their team but also exemplifies leadership and teamwork. Their passion for their sport inspires teammates and contributes to the overall success and spirit of the club. Demonstrating a deep commitment to both personal growth and the collective goals of their team, they leave a positive and lasting impact on Harvard’s club sports community.

Club Sport Organization of the Year expand_more

This award honors the club sport organization that most fully embodies the mission and values of Harvard’s club sports program. Through exemplary student leadership, inclusive participation, and a strong commitment to personal and collective growth, this organization creates an environment where students develop skills, challenge themselves, and thrive. They organize meaningful practices, competitions, and events with integrity and pride, representing Harvard at regional and national levels. By fostering a welcoming and supportive community, they bring together students from across Harvard’s diverse communities, promoting belonging, school spirit, and lasting connections within the Department of Athletics & Recreation.

Intramural Athlete of the Year expand_more

Awarded to the student-athlete who best embodies the spirit and values of Harvard’s House Intramural program. This individual not only demonstrates outstanding athletic ability and leadership across various sports but also actively fosters a positive and inclusive environment. Their enthusiasm inspires teammates, and their commitment to inclusivity ensures everyone, regardless of skill level or background, feels valued. As a result, they have left a lasting impact, promoting the growth and spirit of community within the intramural program.

Intramural Referee of the Year expand_more

Presented to the student referee who best exemplifies the spirit and values of Harvard’s House Intramural program. This individual is committed to maintaining the integrity of the game by enforcing rules consistently and impartially. Their leadership on the field upholds the highest standards of fairness, ensuring a positive and equitable experience for all participants. By prioritizing the safety and success of every player, they foster an environment where sportsmanship thrives and competition flourishes. Their exemplary conduct and dedication make them a cornerstone of the intramural community.