Leadership Awards
Self-nominations permitted
The following awards are open to self-nominations and nominations made by others, giving you the chance to showcase your own leadership, contributions, and impact within the UC Merced community. These awards celebrate students who take pride in their achievements and want to be recognized for their dedication, innovation, and service. Winners are invited to the annual Leadership Awards Ceremony, where they're celebrated for their contributions.
Distinguished Leadership Award
Recognizes undergraduate student(s) who demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in the past academic year, making significant strides within the UC Merced community through exemplary leadership and changemaking in action. More than one recipient may be awarded. Self-nominations are permitted for this award.
Legacy Award
Recognizes a student graduating during the current academic year (undergraduate or graduate) who epitomizes "best of leadership" qualities within the UC Merced community through actions consistent with the University's Principles of Community—upholding dialogue and civility through civic engagement and environmental stewardship, while celebrating identities, values, and beliefs and affirming each person's dignity. Self-nominations are permitted for this award.
Emerging Leader Award
Recognizes first-year and first-year transfer students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, initiative, and impact during their inaugural year at UC Merced, contributing meaningfully to their campus community. Self-nominations are permitted for this award.
College Corps Fellow Award
Honors a Fellow who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to Merced and neighboring communities throughout the current academic year, consistently participating in program activities and supporting fellow Fellows, their host site, and the population they serve. Self-nominations are permitted for this award.
UFC Service Organization Award
Open to members of a registered student club or organization on campus. This award recognizes a student club or organization for exemplary service in the community surrounding UC Merced. The University Friends Circle will present the recipient with a $1,000 award to support continued community service efforts. Self-nominations are allowed and encouraged.
Nominees Must:
- Be in good judicial standing with the university
- Agree to an interview with the UFC Scholarship Committee if selected as a finalist, on dates announced each nomination cycle (only 2 e-board members needed)
Only 1 self-nomination per student organization. See the current nomination deadline below.
Nomination Timeline
Nomination deadlines and the Leadership Awards Ceremony date are announced at the start of each nomination cycle.
Contact our office for current deadlines and ceremony details.
Questions? Contact the Margo F. Souza Student Leadership Center at lead@ucmerced.edu or visit us in person at KL 172.
