Student Award Categories

This award is presented to ten first year students who have demonstrated outstanding service, leadership and academic achievement and who are committed to serving the university community.

Any current University of Idaho undergraduate student, enrolled full time with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher who has completed at least 12 credits by January 2022 is eligible to apply or be nominated. UI students, faculty, staff and administrators may nominate candidates. Applications and nominations should reflect the candidate's academic achievement, participation in on-campus and off-campus activities, leadership experience, commitment to serving others and any additional information pertinent to the award.

This award is presented to ten sophomores who have demonstrated outstanding service, leadership and academic achievement and who are committed to serving the university community.

Any current University of Idaho undergraduate student, enrolled full time with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher who has completed at least 36 credits by January 2022 is eligible to apply or be nominated. UI students, faculty, staff and administrators may nominate candidates. Applications and nominations should reflect the candidate's academic achievement, participation in on-campus and off-campus activities, leadership experience, commitment to serving others and any additional information pertinent to the award.

Started in 1923, the Silver Lance Award recognized outstanding men who held leadership positions on campus. This award evolved to recognize men and women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership traits. This award is presented to ten juniors who have demonstrated outstanding service, leadership and academic achievement and who are committed to serving the university community.

Any current University of Idaho undergraduate student, enrolled full time with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher who has completed at least 60 credits by January 2022 is eligible to apply or be nominated. UI students, faculty, staff and administrators may nominate candidates. Applications and nominations should reflect the candidate's academic achievement, participation in on-campus and off-campus activities, leadership experience, commitment to serving others, innovation in developing projects or responding to university issues/needs and any additional information pertinent to the award.

This award is presented to ten seniors who are exceptional leaders at the University of Idaho and who have demonstrated outstanding service, leadership, academic achievement and who are committed to serving the university community.

Any current University of Idaho undergraduate student, enrolled full time with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher who is graduating in the 2021-2022 academic year is eligible to apply or be nominated. If the student has completed at least 90 credits (senior standing) but is not graduating they should apply for the Outstanding Junior/Silver Lance Honorary Award. UI students, faculty, staff and administrators may nominate candidates. Applications and nominations should reflect the candidate's academic achievement, participation in on-campus and off-campus activities, leadership experience, commitment to serving others, innovation in developing projects or responding to university issues/needs and any additional information pertinent to the award.

Donald R. Theophilus was a member of the University of Idaho faculty for nearly 40 years and was university president from 1954-1965. This award is presented to graduating seniors who have an outstanding record of academic achievement and service to the university community. Students are selected from the top applicants of the Outstanding Seniors category. This award is among the highest distinctions the institution can bestow upon any student. 

The African Student Association (ASA) Scholarship is awarded to one or two students each year from funds that have come from the proceeds of Africa Night and additional fundraising by the African Student Association.

Any current University of Idaho student, enrolled full-time with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher (undergraduate) or 3.0 or higher (graduate) who has completed at least one full year of an academic program at the University of Idaho is eligible to apply or be nominated. Previous year award winners will not be considered and candidates cannot be enrolled in ALCP. UI students, faculty, staff and administrators may nominate candidates. Applications and nominations should reflect the candidate's active membership in ASA, involvement with UI campus activities and financial need.

This award is funded by the Honors Leadership Council in the name of Dr. Alton Campbell.

Any current University of Idaho undergraduate student with a 2.0 GPA is eligible to apply or be nominated. UI students, faculty, staff and administrators may nominate candidates. Applications and nominations should reflect the candidate's demonstrated cultivation or significant advancement of a community of students through the organization of events, discussions or service and their demonstrated exceptional motivation to build or grow the student community and commitment to the long-term integrity of the community. Up to four additional pages of pertinent and supporting background materials such as newspaper articles, letters of support, citations and project descriptions may also be included in the applications or nominations.

This endowment scholarship was established to recognize Anjum Sadiq and the impact she had on the lives of University of Idaho students, staff and faculty, as well as members of the Moscow community and beyond, which stemmed from her consummate volunteerism. Read full description of the Anjum Sadiq Memorial Scholarship Endowment. This award is given annually to at least one deserving international student enrolled at the University of Idaho.

Any current University of Idaho student, enrolled full-time who has completed at least one full year of an academic program at the University of Idaho is eligible to apply or be nominated. Candidates cannot be enrolled in ALCP or GSSP. UI students, faculty, staff and administrators may nominate candidates. Applications and nominations should reflect the candidate's demonstrated active volunteerism on campus and in the community and financial need.

Awarded students will receive their scholarships in Fall 2024, full-time enrollment is required. Current University of Idaho students who are graduating in Spring 2024 are ineligible to apply or be nominated.

Mary Ruth Mann, Roy L. Eiguren and Carl F. Wurster, along with other former ASUI presidents, established a perpetual endowment fund in 1996. The ASUI Presidents' Scholarship is awarded annually to at least one deserving student enrolled at the University of Idaho.

Any current University of Idaho undergraduate student who has shown an active involvement in ASUI or its programs (Student Organizations, Leadership, Student Media, Volunteer and Social Action Programs, Vandal Entertainment) is eligible to apply or be nominated. UI students, faculty, staff and administrators may nominate candidates. Applications and nominations should reflect the candidate's leadership experience; academic achievement; commitment to serving others; diversity of backgrounds, experiences and interests; and any additional information pertinent to the award.

Betsy Thomas served as director of the U of I Women’s Center from 1985 to 1997. Through her leadership, the Women’s Center was able to fight for and support permanent staff positions and opportunities for student workers, volunteers and interns. After her passing in 2007, the Gender Equity Scholarship was renamed the Betsy Thomas Gender Equity Scholarship to honor the legacy of her remarkable service to the University of Idaho community. This award is presented in the hope that the recipient's or recipients’ exceptional service may inspire and motivate others to become involved in gender advocacy work.

Any current University of Idaho student is eligible to apply or be nominated. UI students, faculty, staff and administrators may nominate candidates. Applications and nominations should reflect the candidate's exceptional motivation, innovation, involvement and commitment to advancing gender equity issues through their academic studies and/or via volunteerism and community service.

The Vandal Career Catalyst Award is a scholarship designed to empower and support students who are committed to igniting their own career paths while inspiring fellow Vandals to do the same. This award recognizes one student each academic year who demonstrates exceptional dedication to professional development and actively contributes to creating opportunities for their peers within our academic community. Recipients of this scholarship receive financial assistance and recognition for their outstanding efforts in fostering a culture of career growth and ambition at University of Idaho.

First year, sophomores or junior standing students with a minimum 3.0 GPA are eligible to apply. Nominations will be ranked based on the candidates':

• Leadership in Career Development: Applicants should demonstrate active leadership in career development initiatives within our academic community, such as organizing career fairs, workshops or mentoring programs for fellow students.

• Personal Career Advancement: Candidates should provide evidence of their own commitment to personal career growth, such as internships, part-time jobs or entrepreneurial ventures, showcasing their dedication to becoming successful professionals.

• Academic Achievement: While not the sole focus, a strong academic record should be considered to ensure that recipients maintain a commitment to their studies alongside their career development efforts.

• Letters of Recommendation: Applicants should provide compelling letters of recommendation from professors, mentors or professionals who can attest to their leadership, dedication to career development and impact on the academic community.

• Career Impact: Evaluation will consider how the applicant's efforts have positively impacted the career opportunities and professional development of other students, highlighting their ability to inspire and assist fellow Vandals.

The University of Idaho Co-op Student of the Year Award honors a student who has displayed exceptional contribution, dedication and growth during their cooperative experience. This student has shown great work ethic, professionalism and willingness to face the obstacles in the real world while going above and beyond to exceed expectations. This award recognizes current undergraduate students or alumni who have successfully completed 1 or more co-op experiences. (Within the year of 2023).

To apply, click here.

Frank W. Childs IV was an engineering student at the University of Idaho who died in an untimely tragic death. Frank was an outstanding student and was actively involved in student government. The Associated Students University of Idaho (ASUI) created this award to honor graduating seniors who exhibit similar qualities to Mr. Childs.

Any current and graduating University of Idaho student, enrolled full-time who has actively demonstrated a role in ASUI is eligible is apply or be nominated. Activities within ASUI for the past year will be considered. UI students, faculty, staff and administrators may nominate candidates. Applications and nominations should reflect the candidate's participation in leadership activities, previous honors and awards, participation in living group activities, membership in other UI organizations and any other exceptional qualifications.

George Dafoe's leadership, dedication and integrity came at a critical juncture in student government and campus history. He continued to guide and inspire student leaders as an advisor until his untimely death from cancer in the summer of 1990. His unique personal qualities and capabilities were used to serve student interests and inspired this award. The intent of this award is to acknowledge a deserving student who has served in the Associated Students of the University of Idaho (ASUI).

Any current University of Idaho student, enrolled full-time who has served in ASUI or its programs (Student Organizations, Leadership, Student Media, Volunteer and Social Action Programs, Vandal Entertainment) is eligible is apply or be nominated. The student must have at least one remaining semester at the University of Idaho. UI students, faculty, staff and administrators may nominate candidates. Applications and nominations should reflect the candidate's positive impact within or through ASUI, positive impact on the student body and campus community, leadership, dedication, integrity and any additional information pertinent to the award.

Guy Wicks served the students of the University of Idaho for 34 years before retiring in 1965. Guy, along with his wife, Grace, were fixtures of the university community whose impact is still felt today. This award, one of the highest honors at the institution, recognizes senior students exhibiting outstanding success based on GPA, campus activities and service to the university in the spirit of Wicks’ legacy. Those named Outstanding Senior are considered for this award.

This award is presented to an individual undergraduate student who has demonstrated exceptional motivation, innovation and involvement in community service. Students may earn this award more than once in their academic career provided the experiences illustrated in the second application are different from the first application. The service must be performed without pay and can take place in and outside the immediate area.

Any current University of Idaho undergraduate student, enrolled full-time is eligible is apply or be nominated. UI students, faculty, staff and administrators may nominate candidates. Applications and nominations should reflect why the nominee chose to serve, their commitment to the community and service for others, the impact of their volunteer service action on the community and any additional information pertinent to the award. Up to four additional pages of pertinent and supporting background materials such as newspaper articles, letters of support, citations and project descriptions may also be included in the applications or nominations.

Established in 1993, the International Programs Office has been raising funds and accepting donations to continue to build an endowment from which the interest is awarded each year for international student scholarships. The International Student Scholarship is awarded to one or two students each year from these funds that have accrued through this endowment fund.

Any current University of Idaho student, enrolled full-time who has completed at least one full year of an academic program at the University of Idaho is eligible to apply or be nominated. Previous year award winners will not be considered and candidates cannot be enrolled in ALCP or GSSP. UI students, faculty, staff and administrators may nominate candidates. Applications and nominations should reflect the candidate's demonstrated strong academic performance, active participation in campus and community activities, leadership and clear career objectives related to major area(s) of study.

This scholarship was established in Ismat Ara and Dr. Abdul-Mannan Sheikh’s memory by their family to annually assist two deserving international students from any nation to purchase text or reference books. Read the full description of the Ismat Ara & Dr. Abdul Mannan Sheikh Memorial Book Scholarship.

Any current University of Idaho student, enrolled full-time with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (undergraduate) or 3.0 or higher (graduate) who has completed at least one full year of an academic program at the University of Idaho is eligible to apply or be nominated. Previous year award winners will not be considered and candidates cannot be enrolled in ALCP or GSSP. U of I students, faculty, staff and administrators may nominate candidates. Applications and nominations should reflect the candidate's demonstrated leadership and service to the U of I campus and community.

Awarded students will receive their scholarships in Fall 2024, full-time enrollment is required. Current University of Idaho students who are graduating in Spring 2024 are ineligible to apply or be nominated.

In 1899, Jennie Eva Hughes became the first African-American to graduate from U of I. This award was named in her honor and will be given to a student who has shown genuine concern and interest toward multicultural issues and have worked on behalf of multiculturalism on campus.

Any current University of Idaho student is eligible to apply or be nominated. UI students, faculty, staff and administrators may nominate candidates. Applications and nominations should reflect the candidate's commitment, service concern and interest to the local multicultural community; innovation in developing and enhancing multicultural programs and/or services; and contributions to greater understanding and awareness related to multicultural affairs within the multicultural community and the larger community.

The Nepali Students Association (NSA) Scholarship is awarded to students each year from funds derived from proceeds of Taste of Nepal and additional funding by the NSA.

Any current University of Idaho undergraduate student, enrolled full-time with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher who has completed at least one semester of an academic program at the University of Idaho is eligible to apply or be nominated. Candidates cannot be enrolled in ALCP or GSSP. UI students, faculty, staff and administrators may nominate candidates. Applications and nominations should reflect the candidate's demonstrated active membership in NSA, participation in and assistance with Taste of Nepal and other NSA events, academic achievement and financial need.

This award is unavailable in the 2024 Student Achievement Awards cycle.

Former University of Idaho president, Richard Gibb, earned the reputation for being exceptionally student-centered. In particular, Gibb was very supportive of non-traditional students. This honor is presented as a capstone award to a student who has entered post-secondary education in a non-traditional fashion (i.e. not directly from high school) and has overcome a variety of obstacles while providing service and leadership to the campus community throughout their career at the University of Idaho.

Any current University of Idaho non-traditional undergraduate student who is graduating in the 2021-2022 academic year is eligible to apply or be nominated. UI students, faculty, staff and administrators may nominate candidates. Applications and nominations should reflect the difference the nominee has made while attending the University of Idaho with regard to service and leadership, their academic achievement, their circumstances of being considered non-traditional, obstacles they overcame to be successful at the University of Idaho and their plans for the future.

The Student-Employee of the Year Award is a recognition program created for high performing student-employees working for the University of Idaho. Once per year, direct supervisors from various departments at the Moscow campus and regional centers can nominate current student-employees to be recipients of the award. Four Student-Employees of the Year will be recognized at the Student Achievement Awards at the end of each spring semester.

Any current University of Idaho student, enrolled full time with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (undergraduate) or 3.5 or higher (graduate) who are currently employed and have been for at least three months at the University of Idaho can be nominated. No outside organizations are eligible for participation. Nominations should reflect the candidate's reliability and initiative, quality of work and impact of contributions to the employer.