Incentives
The Souza Student Leadership Center offers several ways to be recognized for your leadership and service—certificates, awards, a graduation pin, endorsements, letters of recommendation, and free training for your organization. Explore what's available below.
Student Awards
From certificates to graduation pins to peer-nominated awards, there are multiple ways to be formally recognized for your leadership and service at UC Merced.
Public Service & Leadership Certificate
Earn a graduation cord and certificate by completing 80 hours of direct service, a community-engaged course, and a community-focused capstone project. Recipients also receive a LinkedIn endorsement and a letter of recommendation upon request.
Leadership Awards
Each spring, the Souza Center recognizes students, staff, and community partners across nine awards. Some are open to self-nomination; others are by nomination only.
Self-Nominations Permitted
- Distinguished Leadership Award
- Legacy Award
- Emerging Leader Award
- College Corps Fellow Award
- UFC Service Organization Award
By Nomination Only
- Carol Tomlinson-Keasey Award
- Steven & Mia Kang Leadership for Social Change Award
- Margo F. Souza Trailblazer Award
- Community Partner Impact Award
Leadership Graduation Pin
Graduating students who've demonstrated strong leadership through hands-on experiences—on or off campus—can apply for the Experiential Learning Leadership Pin to be recognized at commencement.
Previous Award Winners
See past recipients of the Souza Center's Leadership Awards and the impact they've made across campus and the Merced community.
Award FAQ
Have questions about eligibility, nomination deadlines, or the ceremony? Check our frequently asked questions.
Leadership Training Request
Our office offers leadership training workshops for campus departments, clubs, organizations, and Greek life—from Intro to Leadership and College 101, to Team Building and fully custom sessions. Choose a session from our menu or work with us to design one tailored to your group. Requests must be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance.
Endorsements
Our professional staff are happy to provide a LinkedIn endorsement highlighting the leadership and interpersonal skills you've built through your involvement with the Souza Center.
Letters of Recommendation
Applying for a scholarship, graduate program, or job? Our staff can write a letter of recommendation speaking to your leadership and service experience.
Questions?
Our team is here to support you as you pursue recognition for your leadership and service. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out!
