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The ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Leadership Awards are designed to celebrate and recognize the countless hours and contributions that student leaders make to the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ campus, El Paso community, and beyond. These awards are the highest forms of recognition that are awarded to outstanding individual student leaders, student organizations, and fraternity and sorority chapters at ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ.  

Submit applications by March 13th, 2026 at 11:59pm (MDT). Late submissions will not be accepted and finalists will notified prior to the event.

Award Ceremony

Awards will be presented on Thursday, April 30th, 2026, during the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Leadership Awards Ceremony.

Questions?
Email SELC@utep.edu for more information.

Department/Office of the Year 2026

The Department /Office Event of the Year Award recognizes a ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ department or office that has planned and delivered an outstanding program or event that made a meaningful impact on students or the broader campus community. This award is intended for departments that demonstrate intentional planning, effective execution, and a clear connection between their work and student success.

The Department or Office Event of the Year Award highlights the important role departments play in shaping impactful experiences for students and showcases the measurable outcomes and lasting influence of their work.

Student Organization of the Year 2026

The Student Organization of the Year Award recognizes a well-established student organization that has demonstrated exceptional achievement, impact, and leadership throughout the academic year. This award honors organizations that consistently excel across multiple areas, including academics, programming, member recruitment and engagement, leadership development, and overall contribution to campus life.

Eligibility:

• Open to all registered student organizations, organizations may self-nominate
• Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) chapters and New Student Orgs registered in Fall 2025 are not eligible for this award

Fraternity of the Year 2026

The Fraternity of the Year award is presented to a fraternity that goes above and beyond in the areas of service, philanthropy, academic achievement, Greek unity, and development of student leaders. One application is allowed per chapter .

To be eligible, chapters must be in good standing with Student Organization Annual Requirements and not on probationary status.

Fraternity President of the Year 2026

The Fraternity President of the Year award is presented to an exceptional chapter president who demonstrates values-based leadership, effectively engages and motivates members, and establishes a positive legacy. Presidents who served during the 2025-2026 academic year are eligible for nomination by fellow chapter members or advisors.

FSL Advisor of the Year 2026

The FSL Advisor of the Year is a prestigious recognition that honors an exceptional advisor who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and commitment to their chapter. This award celebrates advisors who don't just fulfill their basic responsibilities, but who truly exceed expectations and make a significant impact on their chapter's success and member development.

Any advisor who serves or has served a fraternity or sorority chapter in one of the following capacities is eligible for nomination:

• Chapter Advisor
• Faculty Advisor
• Staff Advisor

To qualify, the advisor must have served in their advisory role during the 2025 calendar year or be actively serving at the time of nomination.

Leader of Mines 2026 (Juniors and Seniors Only)

The Leaders of Mines Award is the University’s oldest and most distinguished student leadership recognition. This award honors Juniors and Seniors who have demonstrated sustained, values-driven leadership, and meaningful contributions to ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ and the greater El Paso Community while maintaining strong academic achievement. Recipients exemplify leadership beyond position or title through initiative, collaboration, service, mentorship, and lasting impact.

• Be classified as a Junior or Senior
• Cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher
• Have maintained active membership in a student organization for at least one (1) academic year
• Have held a leadership role in a student organization for at least one (1) academic year
• Demonstrated meaningful contributions to:
  • The ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ community, and
  • The Greater El Paso community

New Student Organization of the Year 2026

The New Student Organization of the Year Award recognizes a recently established student organization that has demonstrated strong momentum and purpose through active member recruitment and retention, successful initial programs or events, the development of a clear organizational structure, and thoughtful planning to support the organization’s sustainability and continued growth.

• New Organization must have been officially registered before the Spring 2026 semester.

Pete's Pick Award 2026

TThe prestigious Pete’s Pick Award recognizes a student who demonstrates exceptional campus engagement and authentic miner pride through consistent participation in ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ programs, events, and activities. Recipients of this award are visible champions of the miner spirit, actively involved, enthusiastic, and committed to creating meaningful experiences for themselves and others across campus.

All students are eligible for nomination.

Sorority of the Year 2026

The Sorority of the Year award is presented to a sorority that goes above and beyond in the areas of service, philanthropy, academic achievement, Greek unity, and development of student leaders. One application is allowed per chapter .

To be eligible, chapters must be in good standing with Student Organization Annual Requirements and not on probationary status.

Sorority President of the Year 2026

The Sorority President of the Year award is presented to an exceptional chapter president who demonstrates values-based leadership, effectively engages and motivates members, and establishes a positive legacy. Presidents who served during the 2025-2026 academic year are eligible for nomination by fellow chapter members or advisors.

Striking Gold Award 2026 (First-Year and Sophomores Only)

The Striking Gold Award recognizes first-year and second-year students who are emerging leaders and have begun making noteworthy contributions to the University and/or community.

The Striking Gold Award is earned by students classified as a freshman or sophomore who:

• Has a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher
• Holds an active membership in a student organization

The Luxe Award 2026 (Graduate/Doctoral Students Only)

The Luxe Award recognizes graduate and doctoral students who have demonstrated excellence in academic achievement as well as campus and community engagement and have made a contribution to the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ community through their leadership.

The Luxe Award is earned by students classified as graduate or doctoral who:

• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Have maintained membership in an organization on-campus, in the community, or otherwise have held a leadership role in one or more organizations
• Students may be nominate by their peers, faculty or staff who believe the criteria for the Luxe Award is applicable.

Student Organization Officer of the Year 2026

The Student Organization Officer of the Year Award recognizes a student leader who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment, and service to their student organization. This award honors officers who positively influence their peers, uphold the mission and values of their organization, and contribute meaningfully to the success, growth, and sustainability of their student organization and the broader ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ community.

• Eligible nominees include student org officers who served during the 2025 calendar year or are currently serving as an officer.
• Nominations must be submitted by a student organization member or officer on behalf of the nominee.

Student Organization Program/Event of the Year 2026

The Program/Event of the Year award is presented to a student organization that has facilitated a successful program/event that positively impacted ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ students or the greater community. Program/event may be a community service project. This program/event will have exemplified the student organization’s mission and vision while fostering a sense of belonging amongst its members.

• Program or event must have been for the 2025-2026 Academic Year

Student Organization Advisor of the Year 2026

The Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award recognizes a student organization advisor who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting student leaders and advancing the mission and values of their organization. This award honors advisors who provide meaningful guidance, mentorship, advocacy, and contribute to the success of their student organization.

• Eligible nominees include advisors who served during the 2025 calendar year or are currently serving as a student organization advisor.
• Nominations must be submitted by a student org member or officer on behalf of the advisor.