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Student Leadership Awards

2024 Student Leadership Awards heading with DC skyline and GWSB Undergraduate Programs logo

Annual GWSB Student Leadership Awards

Every year, the George Washington University School of Business (GWSB) Undergraduate Programs office sponsors the Student Leadership Awards (SLAs) to recognize our outstanding undergraduate students. These awards aim to celebrate undergraduate students and their contributions to the GWSB community. The nomination process is announced at the start of the Spring academic semester and continues throughout the semester. Award winners are announced during the annual GWSB Student Leadership Awards ceremony, which takes place each year in either April or May.

The 2024-2025 Student Leadership Awards ceremony will be held at the end of the Spring 2025 semester and event details will be shared once available. More details regarding the nomination process for this year’s Student Leadership Awards are included below.

Award Descriptions

Each award honors an individual student, student organization, and/or partnership that exemplifies the values of GWSB. Please select the drop-down boxes below to review award descriptions and relevant criteria.

Individual Awards

Outstanding Student Awards

The Outstanding Student Award recognizes undergraduate students who have exemplified what it means to be a GWSB student leader, balancing high levels of involvement and service with high achievement in their own career and academic development. One recipient will be selected from each academic class year (Outstanding First-Year, Outstanding Sophomore, Outstanding Junior, and Outstanding Senior) on an annual basis.

Outstanding candidates will demonstrate most or all of the following:

Co-Curricular Learning Engagement:

  • Demonstrated engagement in student leadership and involvement in GWSB organizations and co-curricular learning initiatives (e.g. student organizations, case competitions, career networking treks, conferences, initiatives, etc.).
  • Demonstrated a positive impact on the organization or co-curricular learning initiatives in which they were involved.

Career Development:

  • Actively engages in the development and advancement of their career through the utilization of F. David Fowler Career Center resources. 
  • Involved in career-focused events and initiatives such as events hosted by the F. David Fowler Career Center, etc.

Community Service:

  • Supports the local community by planning or participating in service initiatives. 
  • Leverages the advantages and opportunities of GW’s Washington, DC location.

Academic Achievement:

  • GPA of 3.0 or above. 
  • Explores academic initiatives outside the classroom through independent research, experiential learning, and/or study abroad experience.
Dean's Award

The Dean's Award recognizes a GWSB undergraduate student on an annual basis who displays a strong moral character and serves as a role model for others through their outstanding positive attitude, relationship-building, and personal integrity. This award recognizes student leaders who go above and beyond to support the development and excellence of the GWSB community. This award is selected by the Vice Dean for Undergraduate Programs.

Outstanding candidates will demonstrate most or all of the following:

Leadership & Mentorship:

  • Exemplifies commitment to building an inclusive community in GWSB.
  • Exemplifies the mission, vision, and values of GWSB.
  • Inspires & encourages personal and professional development in others.
  • Significantly contributes to the GWSB community through leadership, academic, and/or service accomplishments.

Co-Curricular Learning Engagement:

  • Demonstrated engagement in student leadership and involvement in GWSB organizations and co-curricular learning initiatives (e.g. student organizations, case competitions, career networking treks, conferences, initiatives, etc.).
  • Demonstrated a positive impact on the organization or co-curricular learning initiatives in which they were involved.

Service:

  • Supports the local community by planning or participating in service initiatives. 
  • Leverages the advantages and opportunities of GW’s Washington, DC location.

Academic Achievement:

  • GPA of 3.0 or above. 
  • Explores academic initiatives outside the classroom through independent research, experiential learning, and/or study abroad experience.
Inclusive Leadership Award

The Inclusive Leadership Award recognizes a GWSB undergraduate student who has made outstanding contributions toward advancing GWSB’s mission, core values, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The award celebrates students who have demonstrated consistent excellence in their efforts of uplifting an inclusive GWSB community. The Inclusive Leadership Award will be based on a candidate’s demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as expressed through leadership in research, creative programming, co-curricular engagement, academic achievement, mentoring, acts of service, and/or a combination of accomplishments in these areas.

Outstanding candidates will demonstrate most or all of the following:

Fosters an Inclusive Community:

  • Demonstrates a commitment to creating a culture of inclusion within their areas of influence while modeling respect and care when interacting with others.
  • Led an initiative, project, or program that cultivates/advances/models access and inclusion within the GWSB community.
  • Cultivates creativity and innovation in the promotion of inclusivity throughout GWSB.

Exemplifies Inclusive Excellence:

  • Encourages diverse perspectives throughout the GWSB community.
  • Creates a welcoming and supportive community environment through visibility, communication, and collaboration efforts.

Inclusive Leadership:

  • Serves as an outstanding advocate and role model for cultural awareness and ongoing learning.
  • Demonstrates exemplary commitment to the advancement of cultural competency through research, creative programming, mentoring, acts of service, and/or collaborative partnerships.

Academic Achievement

  • GPA of 3.0 or above.
Business Leader Development (BLD) Program Mentor of the Year

The Business Leader Development (BLD) Program Mentor of the Year award recognizes a BLD Program Mentor who has gone above and beyond in order to achieve the mission of the BLD Program. This award is intended to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of a Mentor who has served as a positive role model, infused creativity into the classroom, and positively inspired their students and fellow community members. Successful nominees have consistently encouraged student involvement in professional and academic opportunities while providing an exemplary level of passion, dependability, and commitment to excellence.

Note: GWSB students who are eligible for this award include undergraduate student employees who taught either BADM 1001: Business Leader Foundations 1, BADM 1002: Business Leader Foundations 2, BADM 1003: Business Leader Foundations for Transfer Students, and/or BADM 3001: Business Leader Career Strategy during the academic year of the Student Leadership Awards.

Outstanding candidates will demonstrate most or all of the following:

Community Connections:

  • Contributes their skills, time, and effort to the success of the BLD Program through student mentorship, involvement, dedication to service, and/or leadership.
  • Consistently supports the positive development of their students within the GWSB community, and encourages student engagement.
  • Fosters a positive team dynamic in the BLD Program Mentor cohort and instills a sense of community and connection to GWSB.

Personal & Professional Identity:

  • Embodies core values of the GWSB mission, vision, & goals while upholding the BLD Program philosophy.
  • Mentors, supports, and inspires their students while serving as an outstanding role model.

BLD Program Learning Pillars:

  • Embraces collaboration with BLD Program Instructors and other Mentors in the program. 
  • Fosters a welcoming and inclusive classroom community for GWSB students.
  • Nurtures an inclusive community within GW and GWSB.
  • Connects GWSB students to university resources.

Academic Achievement

  • GPA of 3.0 or above.

Group Awards

Outstanding GWSB Undergraduate Student Organization Award

The Outstanding GWSB Undergraduate Student Organization award recognizes a GWSB-Affiliated Student Organization that has gone above and beyond in establishing innovative programs & initiatives, fostering an inclusive environment, and contributing to the GWSB community. Successful nominees have maximized opportunities for student learning, leadership development, and community connections while advancing GWSB’s mission, vision, and goals.

Outstanding candidates will demonstrate most or all of the following:

Innovative Programs & Initiatives:

  • Demonstrates excellence in the development of innovative programs and initiatives.
  • Exemplifies a commitment to designing inclusive and sustainable initiatives.

Impact:

  • Significantly contributes to the advancement of student learning, development, and community engagement.
  • Demonstrates a commitment to the GWSB mission, vision, and goals.
  • Leverages their programming, initiatives, and collective work to make significant progress on a community issue impacting the GW and/or GWSB communities.

Community Engagement:

  • Actively engaged in the GWSB undergraduate community.
  • Inspires community vibrancy, vitality, and pride.
  • Consistently promotes diversity and inclusion while fostering community connections.

Student Organization Standing:

Outstanding Initiative Award

The Outstanding Initiative Award recognizes an initiative or program that has significantly impacted the GWSB community. Eligible nominations include initiatives/programs that have been implemented by one (or more; partnership/collaborative events are eligible) of the GWSB-Affiliated Student Organizations and demonstrate thoughtful planning, significant impact on student learning, maximized community connections, and an overall innovative approach.

Note: We encourage nominations of eligible initiatives/programs as this award is not designed to be automatically provided to the largest event, but rather focused on the impact of the initiative.

Outstanding candidates will demonstrate most or all of the following:

Initiative Design & Implementation:

  • Exemplifies creativity and excellence in the design and implementation of the initiative.
  • Demonstrates thoughtful, inclusive, and collaborative planning.

Impact:

  • Significantly contributes to the advancement of student learning, development, and community engagement.
  • Maximizes community connections and has significantly impacted the GW and/or GWSB community.

Student Organization Standing:

Outstanding Partnership Award

The Outstanding Partnership Award recognizes a partnership that was formed between two or more groups (e.g. GWSB-Affiliated Student Organizations, Faculty/Staff/Student Groups, Departments, Centers, Community Organizations, etc.) in an effort to provide a positive impact on the GWSB community. The partnership has demonstrated excellence in providing opportunities for students to engage in and learn from the community. The Outstanding Community Partnership Award is presented to a partnering group to honor and recognize their commitment and vital role in a successful collaboration that unites the campus community.

Note: A partnership must include at least one GWSB group of individuals with one or more other groups (internal or external to GWSB).

Outstanding candidates will demonstrate most or all of the following:

Community Impact:

  • Inspires and involves community members to become engaged in service while addressing community needs within GW or GWSB.
  • Positively impacts the GW and GWSB community (e.g., impact on specific groups or individuals with regards to achievement, quality of life, educational opportunities, etc.).
  • Actively contributes to student learning, development, and/or employability.

Positive Collaboration:

  • Partnership exemplifies the values of inclusive and supportive collaboration between two or more groups.

Nomination Process

Any member of the GWSB community, including students, faculty, and staff may submit nominations. There is no limit to the number of nominations you may submit and we encourage you to recognize the outstanding contributions of student leaders and organizations in the GWSB community. Self-nominations are allowed.

Please make sure to review the award descriptions and related eligibility criteria listed in the award description drop-down boxes above prior to submitting any nomination(s).

For all nominations, you will be required to thoughtfully describe the nominee's eligibility and qualifications for the award(s) you are nominating for. This might include describing the nominee’s involvement in GWSB Co-Curricular Learning initiatives (e.g. student organizations, case competitions, career networking treks, conferences, initiatives, etc.), career development, academic achievement, contributions to the GW and GWSB community, and community service. Details and specific examples are critical for success.

Additionally, to nominate an undergraduate student for any of the individual awards, you must have the following information readily available to submit in the nomination form:

  • Nominee's Full Name
  • Nominee’s Academic Year & Class Standing (e.g. Senior - Class of 2025)
  • Nominee's GW Email Address

Nomination Form & Deadline

Nominations for the 2024-2025 academic year GWSB Student Leadership Awards are not available at this time. The nomination process and form will be added to this webpage once available. Nominations typically open in January and close by the beginning of March.

Please contact GWSB Undergraduate Programs if you have any questions about the nomination process.