SCSU students are leaders throughout the campus and community - in academics, campus activities, student employment, internships, volunteering, athletics, or in countless other places. Since 1988, the Excellence in Leadership Award has recognized students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership at SCSU based on an evaluation of their academic commitment and leadership experiences.
Excellence in Leadership Award winners will be recognized at the 36th Annual Excellence in Leadership Banquet on Sunday, April 14, 2024.
Applications are due 11:59 p.m. Feb. 4, 2024. View the Application Instructions document (PDF).
Faculty and staff members may submit a nomination (or multiple nominations) for outstanding students with whom they work. A nomination is different than providing a reference. A nomination is not required in order for a student to submit an application. A reference, however, is required. The goal of a nomination is to provide encouragement for the student to apply. The nomination period for the 2024 award is Dec 14, 2023 through Jan 26, 2024. Here is the Nomination Form (Microsoft Form).
The reference essay is a form submitted via Huskies Scholarships that goes into detail about the student’s leadership ability, and is a required part of a student’s completed application. When a student completes an EIL application in Huskies Scholarships, they will enter the name of 1 reference (faculty, staff, or community member supervisor). The reference selected will get an automated email to complete a series of written questions in the Huskies Scholarships system, which relate to the student’s contributions that align with Our Husky Compact. The goal of a reference is to provide narrative evidence of observed leadership, and the reference will be scored during the judging process. If you have been selected to be a reference the due date is 11:59pm Feb 4, 2024. Please review the Reference Instructions (PDF).
The Dennis M. Thayer award is given annually to the top scoring student in the Excellence In Leadership application process. In addition to a small monetary award, the winner joins a distinguished group of alumni whose commitment to leading and serving others exemplifies the life of former St. Cloud State staff member Dennis Thayer, who was killed in an auto accident in 1995.
Has someone you know earned the Excellence in Leadership Award? Browse our archive of recipients and group photos, dating back to 1989.
