Awards

Towson University benefits from the vibrancy created by student organizations and leaders. Each year we have the opportunity to recognize the contributions of outstanding members to the TU community through their involvement on campus.

The Student Affairs Leadership Awards are sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs and the Student Government Association (SGA) and managed by the Office of Student Activities.   

Nominations typically open for three weeks each March and are awarded in early May at the Student Affairs Leadership Awards Ceremony. Below is a list of award categories that individuals may nominate for, as well as additional awards that are selected directly by sponsoring campus partners. Self-nomination is permitted for awards. Additionally, there are scholarships students may apply for that will also be celebrated at the ceremony. Awards that indicate a monetary award are subject to recipient need and contingent upon authorization from the TU Foundation.

Scholarships

This scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated excellence in leadership. The applicant must be actively engaged with at least one formal leadership development program hosted by a department of Towson University. Eligibility is limited to full-time undergraduate students entering their junior year of study who are in good academic standing and have a GPA of 3.2 or higher. Multiple non-renewable scholarships may be awarded. 

In her memory, family, friends, alumni, and the Division of Student Affairs established the Marion Hoffman Ethical Leadership Scholarship to support undergraduate students who have demonstrated continual leadership and service to the University through student organizations, university committee participation, academic achievement, outstanding contributions to campus life, and who demonstrate integrity in their decision making as leaders. Applicants must be a rising junior or senior, and returning to Towson University for the upcoming fall semester, be in good academic standing, and must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Multiple non-renewable scholarships may be awarded.

This scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and good citizenship. Applicants must have participated in athletics (either varsity or intramural), must have been engaged fully in university life, and contributed significantly to the University community. Applicants must be in good academic standing, with a minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA. Multiple non-renewable scholarships may be awarded. 

Individual Student Awards

This award recognizes an individual student who works a minimum of ten hours per week. Nominees must show proof of working on campus, or with a campus affiliated program, for at least six months of the current academic year.  Nominees are selected based on reliability, quality of work, initiative, disposition, and contribution to employer. Nominees must have a minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA.   

This award recognizes a graduate student who has demonstrated continual leadership and service to the University through student organizations, department or university committee participation, academic achievement, and outstanding contributions to campus life within their area of student life. Nominees must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5. 

This award recognizes a student who displays eco-friendly behavior, educates their peers about sustainability, and significantly contributes to environmental activism on Towson University’s campus. This student is an exemplary model for others, demonstrating and engaging the Towson community in sustainable initiatives. 

This award recognizes a student who has shown a dedication and commitment to reducing barriers and creating opportunities for success for at-risk populations at Towson University. It embraces advocacy for other students facing systemic challenges, including but not limited to financial, social, or educational barriers. Nominees must have demonstrated leadership and active involvement in efforts that promote access to resources, equity, and success for underserved student communities. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required. 

This award recognizes an international student who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and service to the University and is committed to enhancing the experiences of international students on campus. Nominees must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. 

This award recognizes a student who has shown outstanding support and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community at Towson University. This award is open to all students, regardless of their own gender identity or sexual orientation. The recipient will have demonstrated a consistent commitment to advancing the rights, acceptance, and visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals on campus, fostering an inclusive environment for all. Nominees must have actively participated in initiatives or actions that promote LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, contributing to a more supportive campus for the LGBTQ+ community. A minimum of 3.0 GPA is required. 

This award honors a student who has actively supported the advancement of all women at Towson University by promoting intersectional activism, feminism, and/or womanism in innovative ways. This award is open to all students, regardless of gender. Nominees must have demonstrated a commitment to promoting women's rights, gender equality, and inclusivity on campus through creative advocacy, leadership, or initiatives that empower and elevate women at the University. A minimum of 3.0 GPA is required. 

This award recognizes a student, on an executive board of a registered student organization, who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service to the Towson University community, academic achievement, and outstanding contributions to campus life. This student shows a dedication and commitment to advancing the mission of their organization and contributes to the greater good of the Towson University community. A monetary award of up to $1,000 will be awarded to the recipient based on financial need and contingent upon authorization from the Towson University Foundation. Nominees must be returning for the upcoming fall semester and have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

This award recognizes a student who has made significant contributions to their registered student organization, without holding an executive position. This student is a role model behind the scenes and a positive influence on the entire group.

This award is named in honor of Mary Leeper, Towson University's former SGA Administrative Assistant, who dedicated nearly 30 years to Towson University before her passing in 2021. It recognizes an undergraduate student who has recently engaged in campus life and actively shows strong leadership potential. A monetary award of up to $1,000 will be awarded to the recipient based on financial need and contingent upon authorization from the Towson University Foundation. Nominees must be returning students for the upcoming fall semester and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. 

Named in honor of Raft Woodus, former director of Student Success Programs, who shaped the lives of Towson University students for over 40-years, tirelessly advocating on behalf of first generation and other underrepresented students. This award is given to a student that has demonstrated the ability to organize, lead, engage, and advocate for social justice issues that impact the lives of students and the University community as a whole. 

The Tiger Pride Award recognizes two graduating seniors who have made significant contributions to enhance the lives of those within and beyond the Towson University community. In particular, the recipients demonstrate qualities stated in the Tiger Pledge: responsibility for their behavior, an excellent work ethic, respect for themselves and others, involvement with campus and community, and a spirit of optimism. Nominees must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Nominees will be contacted for their resume after the nomination has been submitted.   

The Vice President of Student Affairs Award recognizes a broad base of Towson University students who have demonstrated continual leadership and service to the University through student organizations, university committee participation, academic achievement and outstanding contributions to campus lifeNominees must have a minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA. Nominees will be contacted for their resume after the nomination has been submitted.  

 

Faculty/Staff Awards

Named in honor Margie Tversky, former Director of Student Services at Towson University in Northeastern Maryland, for her many years of selfless dedication to mentoring student leaders and enhancing the student experience at Towson, this award recognizes a faculty or staff member who has provided a registered student organization with outstanding support and services in the role of an advisor during the academic year. 

The Above & Beyond Faculty Award honors a faculty member who consistently exceeds expectations in their role. This award recognizes an individual who goes the extra mile to inspire students, enrich the academic community, and contribute to the university's mission. Through innovative and outstanding support for students, and active involvement in campus initiatives, this faculty member's commitment to excellence and passion for education creates a positive and lasting influence, embodying the spirit of the university. 

The Staff Impact Award honors a staff member who has consistently exceeded expectations in their role, showing an unwavering dedication to the students and Towson University community. Through their commitment to excellence and collaboration, this staff member inspires others to strive for greatness for students. Their contributions create a lasting impact, fostering an environment of growth and support for all. 

This award recognizes a professional office, faculty, or staff member who has fostered professionalism, provided proper training, organization, and planning to help students succeed in their on-campus job. Nominees must have supervised student employees for a minimum of six months within the past academic year.   

Student Organization Awards Category

The New Organization of the Year Award is given in recognition of a registered student organization new to Towson University’s campus for the corresponding academic year. This award celebrates their accomplishments and growth throughout their first semesters on campus. A $1,000 award, sponsored by the SGA, will be given to the organization for the next academic year. 

This award recognizes a registered student organization that has demonstrated innovation and perseverance as they have worked to build community in-person and/or virtually. The organization has utilized multiple forms of engagement to help members build connections with one another and the campus community. A $1,000 award, sponsored by the SGA, will be given to an organization for the next academic year. 

Named in honor of former Towson University President, the Hoke L. Smith Organization of the Year Award recognizes a registered student organization that has impacted the Towson University community through membership development, leadership, programming, and service. In addition, the organization has made a consistent contribution to campus life. A $1,000 award, sponsored by the SGA, will be given to the organization for the next academic year.  

Program Awards Category

This award recognizes a program, sponsored by any registered student organization or multiple organizations, that has gone beyond the mission of the organization(s) to increase cultural awareness and appreciation of differences within the campus community. This award is open to all types of programs, whether large or small, that have fostered a greater understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives. A $1,000 award will be given to the winning organization for the next academic year to support future initiatives. Organizations are encouraged to apply for any program that has contributed to cultural awareness and campus engagement, regardless of the size or scope of the event. 

This award recognizes a program sponsored by a registered student organization that has made a significant impact on campus life. This award is open to any event or program that has sparked interest, engagement, and/or involvement from the campus community, regardless of the event’s size or scope. A $1,000 award will be granted to the winning organization for the next academic year to support their future initiatives. All student organizations are encouraged to apply if they believe their event had a meaningful influence on the campus experience.