Leadership Awards

The Emerging Leader Award is bestowed upon first-year and/or second-year students who have actively participated in co-curricular activities, showcasing exceptional service and leadership qualities that have made a positive impact on the University community in the current academic year. These students exhibit remarkable leadership potential that aligns with the Core Values of UMD, with or without holding a formal officer position.

• Academic Status: Open to first- and second-year students at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD).
• Involvement in Co-Curricular and Extra-Curricular Activities: Nominees should be actively engaged in co-curricular and/or extra-curricular activities on campus.
• Exemplary Service: Candidates should demonstrate outstanding service within the University community, showcasing a commitment to making a positive impact in the current academic year.
• Leadership Qualities: Nominees must exhibit notable leadership qualities that have positively influenced those around them.
• Leadership Potential: The award seeks individuals who show exceptional leadership potential, even if they do not hold a formal officer position.
• Demonstrated Values: Candidates should embody and support the mission and values of the University, embodying qualities such as Connection, Curiosity, and Community-mindedness. 
• Commitment to Inclusivity: Consideration will be given to individuals who actively promote inclusivity and demonstrate an ability to work with people from diverse perspectives within their co-curricular activities and interactions on campus.

• A minimum of two distinct individuals must submit separate nominations using the Nomination Form. 
  • Nominators may be any current UMD student, faculty, staff, or alumni, but at least one nominator must be a faculty or staff member familiar with the student’s qualifications for the award. 
  • Nominators are encouraged to coordinate with each other to ensure that all nomination forms are received. 
• The following questions will be asked in the nomination form:
  • Please detail the nominee’s involvement in co-curricular and/or extra-curricular activities that demonstrate their record of exemplary service and leadership potential. (200 word max)
  • How has this student used their leadership skills to serve the University community within the past year? (200 word max)
  • How has this student demonstrated the values of Connection, Curiosity, and/or Community-mindedness? And in particular, how have they promoted inclusivity and a desire to work with people from diverse perspectives? (200 word max)
  • Is there additional information you would like to share regarding this nominee’s qualifications for the award? (200 word max)

Nominees will be notified of their nomination and asked to provide responses to the following prompts to further demonstrate their qualifications for the award:

• Share your engagement in co-curricular activities at UMD, detailing instances where you’ve showcased exceptional service and demonstrated leadership potential within these pursuits. Additionally, outline your strategies for advancing your leadership development throughout your tenure at UMD, highlighting specific goals and areas of focus. (300 word max)
• Describe how you embody and uphold UMD’s Core Values of Connection, Curiosity, and Community-mindedness, elaborating on how you actively embody and contribute to these chosen values in your actions and endeavors. (300 word max)

2026 - Sidney Fuhr

2025 - Star Gump

2024 - Aisha Hersi

2023 - Remi Foust

2022 - Ella Stewart

The Bulldog Award is awarded to one or two students who have been at UMD for at least one academic year. Recipients will have distinguished themselves as leaders on campus, showcasing a noteworthy and positive influence on the University community within the current academic year.

• Academic Status: Candidates must have been enrolled at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) for at least one full academic year.
• Leadership: Nominees should have demonstrated exemplary leadership within academic settings and/or co-curricular activities at UMD.
• Positive Impact: Candidates must have made a significant and positive impact on the University community within the current academic year. This may be a specific project, initiative, or other achievement for a department or student organization.
• Innovation and Initiative: Nominees who have shown innovation and taken initiative in their leadership roles will be given special consideration.
• Demonstrated Values: Candidates should embody and support the mission and values of the University, embodying qualities such as Connection, Curiosity, and Community-mindedness. 
• Commitment to Inclusivity: Consideration will be given to individuals who actively promote inclusivity and demonstrate an ability to work with people from diverse perspectives within their co-curricular activities and interactions on campus.

Nomination Process

• A minimum of two distinct individuals must submit separate nominations using the Nomination Form. 
  • Nominators may be any current UMD student, faculty, staff, or alumni, but at least one nominator must be a faculty or staff member familiar with the student’s qualifications for the award. 
  • Nominators are encouraged to coordinate with each other to ensure that all nomination forms are received. 
• The following questions will be asked in the nomination form:
• Please detail the nominee’s involvement in co-curricular and/or extra-curricular activities that demonstrate their record of exemplary service and ability to take initiative and show innovation. (200 word max)
• How has this student made a positive impact on the University community within the current academic year? This may be a specific project, initiative, or other achievement for a department or student organization. (200 word max)
• How has this student demonstrated the values of Connection, Curiosity, and/or Community-mindedness? And in particular, how have they promoted inclusivity and a desire to work with people from diverse perspectives? (200 word max)
• Is there additional information you would like to share regarding this nominee’s qualifications for the award? (200 word max)

Nominee Information

Nominees will be notified of their nomination and asked to provide responses to the following prompts to further demonstrate their qualifications for the award:

• Share your engagement in co-curricular activities at UMD, detailing instances where you’ve showcased exceptional service and demonstrated leadership potential within these pursuits. Additionally, outline your strategies for advancing your leadership development throughout your tenure at UMD, highlighting specific goals and areas of focus. (300 word max)
• Describe how you embody and uphold UMD’s Core Values of Connection, Curiosity, and Community-mindedness, elaborating on how you actively embody and contribute to these chosen values in your actions and endeavors. (300 word max)

• A minimum of two distinct individuals must submit separate nominations using the Nomination Form. 
  • Nominators may be any current UMD student, faculty, staff, or alumni, but at least one nominator must be a faculty or staff member familiar with the student’s qualifications for the award. 
  • Nominators are encouraged to coordinate with each other to ensure that all nomination forms are received. 
• The following questions will be asked in the nomination form:
• Please detail the nominee’s involvement in co-curricular and/or extra-curricular activities that demonstrate their record of exemplary service and ability to take initiative and show innovation. (200 word max)
• How has this student made a positive impact on the University community within the current academic year? This may be a specific project, initiative, or other achievement for a department or student organization. (200 word max)
• How has this student demonstrated the values of Connection, Curiosity, and/or Community-mindedness? And in particular, how have they promoted inclusivity and a desire to work with people from diverse perspectives? (200 word max)
• Is there additional information you would like to share regarding this nominee’s qualifications for the award? (200 word max)

Nominees will be notified of their nomination and asked to provide responses to the following prompts to further demonstrate their qualifications for the award:

• Share your engagement in co-curricular activities at UMD, detailing instances where you’ve showcased exceptional service and demonstrated leadership potential within these pursuits. Additionally, outline your strategies for advancing your leadership development throughout your tenure at UMD, highlighting specific goals and areas of focus. (300 word max)
• Describe how you embody and uphold UMD’s Core Values of Connection, Curiosity, and Community-mindedness, elaborating on how you actively embody and contribute to these chosen values in your actions and endeavors. (300 word max)

2026 - McKenna Banken & Andrew Kornitz

2025 - Dakota Kath & Aidan Zeissler

2024 - Grace Hill & Hayden O'Connor

2023 - Molly Williams & Riley Tuft

2022 - Dakota Leget & Desiree Franklin

The Zenith Award is presented to one or two outstanding students who have demonstrated exemplary service over a period of two years or more to UMD student organizations, the University, and the community. This prestigious honor is reserved for undergraduate students who anticipate graduating within one semester following the award or have graduated one semester prior to the award ceremony.

• Academic Status: Candidates must be undergraduate UMD students who either expect to graduate within one semester following the award or have graduated one semester preceding the award.
• History of Exemplary Service: Nominees must demonstrate a proven track record of at least two years of exemplary service. This history should showcase a deep, sustained commitment to making a meaningful impact within UMD student organizations, the University, and the broader community, consistently exceeding expectations in their service roles.
• Leadership Impact: The award seeks individuals whose service contributions have had a notable and positive influence on the groups and communities they have served.
• Demonstrated Values: Candidates should embody and support the mission and values of the University, embodying qualities such as Connection, Curiosity, and Community-mindedness. 
• Commitment to Inclusivity: Consideration will be given to individuals who actively promote inclusivity and demonstrate an ability to work with people from diverse perspectives within their co-curricular activities and interactions on campus.
• Academic Standing: While not the primary criterion, additional consideration may be given to nominees with a strong academic standing.

• A minimum of two distinct individuals must submit separate nominations using the Nomination Form. 
  • Nominators may be any current UMD student, faculty, staff, or alumni, but at least one nominator must be a faculty or staff member familiar with the student’s qualifications for the award. 
  • Nominators are encouraged to coordinate with each other to ensure that all nomination forms are received. 
• The following questions will be asked in the nomination form:
• Please detail the nominee’s involvement in co-curricular and/or extra-curricular activities, throughout their time at UMD, that demonstrates their record of exemplary service, showcasing a deep, sustained commitment to making a meaningful impact with UMD student organizations, the University, and the broader community. (300 word max)
• What impact has this student had on the groups and/or communities they have served throughout their time at UMD? (300 word max)
• How has this student demonstrated the values of Connection, Curiosity, and/or Community-mindedness? And in particular, how have they promoted inclusivity and a desire to work with people from diverse perspectives? (300 word max)
• Is there additional information you would like to share regarding this nominee’s qualifications for the award? (300 word max)

Nominees will be notified of their nomination and asked to provide responses to the following prompts to further demonstrate their qualifications for the award:

• Please provide a resume that includes your leadership roles and other relevant experiences.
• Outline your history of involvement at UMD and in the community, providing specific examples of your sustained dedication to making a positive impact on student organizations, UMD, and the broader community. Moreover, describe how you’ve effectively balanced achieving academic success with your commitment to co-curricular and community engagement. (300 word max)
• Describe how you embody and uphold UMD’s Core Values of Connection, Curiosity, and Community-mindedness, elaborating on how you actively embody and contribute to these chosen values in your actions and endeavors. (300 word max)

Additionally, finalists for the Zenith Award will partake in an interview with the selection committee to further discuss their qualifications for the award. They will be provided with the questions ahead of time.

2026 - Breanna Storlie

2025 - Jacob Heytens & Hayden O'Connor

2024 - Brianna Raddatz

2023 - Isaac Conrad & Ella Stewart

2022 - Anna Counihan & Elizabeth Breitbach

This award is designated for the student organization that has exhibited remarkable commitment to the support and development of its members, coupled with a demonstrated record of exceptional service to the University and/or community throughout the current academic year. The receiving organization should embody UMD’s Mission and Values.

• Eligibility: Organizations must be a currently active Registered Student Organization or Campus Life Program at UMD.
• Support and Growth of Members: The receiving organization must have demonstrated a commitment to the support and growth of its members, fostering an environment that enhances their leadership development and personal growth.
• Outstanding Service: The organization should have a proven record of outstanding service to the University and/or community during the past academic year.
• Innovative Programs or Initiatives: Consideration will be given to organizations that have implemented innovative programs or initiatives that have contributed to a positive impact on the University and/or community.
• Collaboration and Engagement: The award seeks organizations that actively collaborate with other groups and engage with the University or community in meaningful ways.
• Commitment to Inclusivity and Belonging: Consideration will be given to organizations that actively promote an inclusive and welcoming environment at UMD, ensuring that their members and all students feel a sense of belonging.

• A minimum of one nomination must be submitted using the Nomination Form. 
  • Nominators may be any current UMD student, faculty, or staff.
  • Alumni may submit a supporting nomination, but may not be the only nominator for the organization.
  • If there are multiple nominators, they are encouraged to coordinate with each other to ensure that all nomination forms are received. 
• The following questions will be asked in the nomination form:
  • In what ways does this organization create an inclusive environment that empowers its members to grow as leaders and individuals? (200 word max)
  • How has this organization organized and provided service to the University and/or community this academic year? (200 word max)
  • How has this organization worked collaboratively with other organizations at UMD and/or the Duluth community? (200 word max)
  • Is there additional information you would like to share regarding this organization’s qualifications for the award? (200 word max)

2026 - Gamma Zeta Pi

2025 - UMD Student Government Association & Women in Business

2024 - Pre-Genetic Counseling Club

2023 - Indigenous Student Organization

2022 - Green Bandana Project

The Arrowhead Award is given to a member(s) who demonstrates exemplary service to their student organization. Each organization may honor up to five individual members of their group per year. 

• Eligibility: Recipients must have been a member of the organization during the current academic year.
• Honorees: Up to 5 individual members will be recognized per group.
• Submission of Award Recipients: A representative from the organization, excluding the award recipients, should submit one nomination for recipients on behalf of the organization. 

2026 - Asian Pacific American Association: Dewa Santoso, Ophelia Yang, Sandy Li, Devin Hoban, Phuong Nguyen; Bulldog Ballroom: August Kruszka, Renee Olds, Charles Wehling; Greek Council: Logan Adler, Isaac Vesta, Thova Holtz, Jillian Horsfall, Harrison Cha; Latinx/Chicanx Student Association: Hailyn Lopez, Daniela Guerrero, Yasmin Sandoval, Gil Avila, Nakila Fernandez; Panhellenic Council: Elaine Mei, Ava Omtvedt, Helen Schilling, Miranda Stinson, Keira Paulsen; Psychology Club at University of Minnesota Duluth: Alex Schroeder.

2025 - Graduate Student Association: Lindzi Campbell, Lauryn Cartee, Ritwik Raj Saxena; Panhellenic Council: Ava Gustafson; Greek Council: Alex Frantesl, Aidan Gilgenbach, Isaac Stottler, Ava Anderson, Cas Bordner.

2024 - UMD Omicron Delta Kappa: Dakota Kath, Remi Foust, Annika Keller, Uyen Nguyen, Kayla Towne; Bulldog Rocketry: Nick Hartliep, Rachel Cirillo, Andrew Carland, Ian Keller, Jenna Whiting; Phi Sigma Sigma: Tayva Madsen, Shannon Heymans, Margaret Stevens; Women in Business: Molly Trullinger, Shelby Spah, Erin Healy, Olivia McCarron; The Bark: Remi Foust, Maddie Gagnon, Seth Roeser, Alyvia Taylor, Izabella Zadra 

2023 - Student Government Association: Corbyn Goodermote, Ethan Ion, Ben Osei-Tutu, Olivia Osei-Tutu, Michael Waldorf; Engineers Without Borders: Cody Barrett, Peter Foldesi, Eric Gibson, Abigail Norman; Panhellenic Council: Brenna Barstad, Tabi Diamond, Emily Holloway, Kyla Morgenstern, Emily Moore; Bulldog Rocketry: Samuel Draeger, Erin Knight, Andrew Ludwig, Chris Silman, Tanner Witt; Kappa Xi Delta: Laura Christnagel, Vanessa Cotter, Brenna Duffy, Sydney Gillund Gracie Raichert; Beta Lambda Psi: Riley Krenz; Women's Rugby FC: Ariel Meyer

2022 - The Accounting Club: Kaleb Maether, Jason Dahlen, Deja Caswell, Tommy Kroll; Alpha Nu Omega: Lucas Koeher, Marcus Young, Broderick Aspling; Alpha Sigma Phi: Reece Holmdahl, Andrew Twoney, Gabe Qualley, Nick Brandt; Alpha Sigma Tau: Emily Hoyt, Erica Alexander, Ella Gardner, Jasmine Dixon; Beta Lambda Psi: Riley Krenz; Bulldog Rocketry: Emmal Nelson, Zach Coughlin, Noah Lichtenberg, Logan Iverson; Gamma Sigma Sigma: Desiree Franklin; Interfraternity Council: Warren Wilke; Kappa Xi Delta: Alexa Knuth, Athena Wiezorek, Brenna Duffy; MPIRG/SEE Change: Shelby Suhr, Ella Stewart, Levi Gregg; Omicron Delta Kappa: Alex Moe, Jason Coyle, Michaela Stram; Panhellenic Council: Hannah Murray, Riley Krenz; Phi Sigma Sigma: Kyla Morganstern, Hannah Murray; Student Association: Nam Nguyen, Annie Counihan, Ben Black, Emma Nelson, Michael Waldorf, Eli Sailer Haugland, Parker Schultz, Laitzia Yang, Daksha Gummadi; Tau Kappa Epsilon: Sean Studenski, Logan Bigelow, Rhett Oehkle, Spencer Engel, Izaiah Zirbes; UMD Alpine Ski and Snowboard Club: Suzanne Schneider

The recipient of this award is someone who has surpassed the standard expectations of an advisor to a student organization, demonstrating a sincere dedication to fostering the growth and development of the organization and its members throughout the current academic year.

• Eligibility: Nominees must be an advisor to an active Registered Student Organization or Campus Life Program for the current academic year.
• Organization Advisory Excellence: The recipient should have consistently gone above and beyond the typical expectations of an advisor to a student organization.
• Commitment to Growth: The recipient should demonstrate a genuine commitment to fostering the growth and development of the student organization they advise and its members.
• Student Leadership Support: The nominee should actively mentor student leaders, helping them refine their skills, manage responsibilities, and grow in their roles as leaders within the UMD community and their future careers.
• Student Success: The recipient should demonstrate actions that result in a positive impact on the personal and academic success of the students involved in the organization.
• Commitment to Inclusivity and Belonging: Consideration will be given to academic advisors who foster an inclusive and welcoming environment at UMD, ensuring that all students feel a sense of belonging.

• A minimum of one nomination must be submitted using the Nomination Form. 
  • Nominators may be any current UMD student, faculty, staff, or alumni, but at least one nominator must be a student that is a current member of the advisor’s organization.
  • If there are multiple nominators, they are encouraged to coordinate with each other to ensure that all nomination forms are received. 
• The following questions will be asked in the nomination form:
  • In what ways does this advisor exceed the typical expectations of a student organization advisor supporting student leadership and success? (200 word max)
  • In what ways has the advisor demonstrated a commitment to fostering growth and development of the organization and its members? (200 word max)
  • How does the nominee foster an inclusive and welcoming environment at UMD, ensuring that all students feel a sense of belonging. (200 word max)
  • Is there additional information you would like to share regarding this nominee’s qualifications for the award? (200 word max)

2026 - Jeni Eltink

2025 - Pastor Dough Paulson, Luther Campus Ministries

2024 - Dr. Alexis Elder, Socratic Society

2023 - Dr. Brock Hedegaard, American Institute of Steel Construction UMD Chapter

2022 - Jessica Gardner

The Outstanding Faculty Award honors UMD faculty who go beyond instruction to inspire student engagement and leadership. This award recognizes a current faculty member who fosters a deep sense of belonging while empowering students to succeed academically and grow as leaders within the UMD community and beyond.

• Eligibility: Nominees must be a current faculty member at UMD.
• Cultivation of Student Engagement: The recipient will help students connect their coursework to real-world applications using their experiences outside of the classroom. 
• Holistic Support: The nominee should demonstrate a commitment to the "whole student," prioritizing both academic excellence and the personal wellbeing of their students.
• Student Leadership: The nominee actively helps students identify their strengths and develop the confidence, critical thinking, and communication skills necessary to lead within the UMD community and their future careers.
• Commitment to Inclusivity and Belonging: Consideration will be given to faculty who foster an inclusive and welcoming environment at UMD, ensuring that all students feel a sense of belonging.

• A minimum of one nomination must be submitted using the Nomination Form. 
  • Nominators may be any current UMD student, faculty, staff, or alumni, but at least one nominator must be a current student.
  • If there are multiple nominators, they are encouraged to coordinate with each other to ensure that all nomination forms are received. 
• The following questions will be asked in the nomination form:
  • In what ways does this faculty member support students beyond the classroom (e.g. in real-world applications, personal wellbeing, extracurricular involvement, etc.)? (300 word max)
  • How does the nominee foster an inclusive and welcoming environment at UMD, ensuring that all students feel a sense of belonging. (300 word max)
  • Is there additional information you would like to share regarding this nominee’s qualifications for the award? (300 word max)

2026 - Jeffrey Kalstrom, Art & Design

2025 - Dr. Anne Hinderliter, Chemistry & Biochemistry

2024 - Jennifer Gordon, Art & Design

2023 - Dr. Sam Toan, Chemical Engineering

2022 - Daniel Nolan, Chemical Engineering

The Outstanding Staff Award recognizes a UMD staff member who goes beyond their daily responsibilities to act as a catalyst for student engagement, belonging, and leadership. This award honors an individual who creates a transformative campus environment where students feel deeply connected and are empowered to lead. The recipient is celebrated for their proactive support and genuine commitment to cultivating student success and strengthening the UMD community.

• Eligibility: Nominees must be a current P&A, Civil Service, AFSCME, or Teamster staff member at UMD.
• Genuine Concern: Nominees must exhibit genuine concern for the wellbeing of students, demonstrating a commitment to students’ success, both in and out of the classroom.
• Promoting Involvement: The nominee creates or supports opportunities that encourage students to get involved in campus life, events, or student organizations.
• Student Leadership Support: The nominee actively mentors student leaders, helping them refine their skills, manage responsibilities, and grow in their roles as leaders within the UMD community and their future careers.
• Commitment to Inclusivity and Belonging: Consideration will be given to staff who foster an inclusive and welcoming environment at UMD, ensuring that all students feel a sense of belonging.

• A minimum of one nomination must be submitted using the Nomination Form. 
  • Nominators may be any current UMD student, faculty, staff, or alumni, but at least one nominator must be a current student.
  • If there are multiple nominators, they are encouraged to coordinate with each other to ensure that all nomination forms are received. 
• The following questions will be asked in the nomination form:
  • In what ways does the nominee exceed the typical expectations of a staff member in supporting student engagement, leadership, and success both in and out of the classroom? In particular, how do they help students grow as leaders within the UMD community and their future careers? (300 word max)
  • How does the nominee foster an inclusive and welcoming environment at UMD, ensuring that all students feel a sense of belonging. (300 word max)
  • Is there additional information you would like to share regarding this nominee’s qualifications for the award? (300 word max)

2026 - Alli Szewczynski, Bulldog Resource Center

2025 - Susana Pelayo-Woodward, Office of Diversity and Inclusion & Cliff Martin, III, Facilities Management

2024 - Jane Ebersviller, Art and Design

2023 – Matthew van Wageningen, Sustainability

2022 - Terry Smalley, UMD Stores

The Outstand Academic Advisor Award recognizes an academic advisor at UMD who has exceeded the expectations of their role. The recipient is recognized for demonstrating sincere support and genuine concern for the wellbeing of the students under their guidance, going above and beyond the standard requirements of an academic advisor in supporting student engagement, belonging, and leadership.

• Eligibility: Any current academic advisor, faculty or staff, at UMD is eligible.
• Exceptional Support: The recipient must have provided exceptional support to the students they advise, demonstrating a commitment to students’ wellbeing and success, both in and out of the classroom.
• Student Leadership: Nominees should exhibit genuine support for student leaders and promotion of leadership activities.
• Engagement: Consideration will be given to academic advisors who have demonstrated support for student engagement.
• Commitment to Inclusivity and Belonging: Consideration will be given to academic advisors who foster an inclusive and welcoming environment at UMD, ensuring that all students feel a sense of belonging.

• A minimum of one nomination must be submitted using the Nomination Form. 
  • Nominators may be any current UMD student, faculty, staff, or alumni, but at least one nominator must be a current student.
  • If there are multiple nominators, they are encouraged to coordinate with each other to ensure that all nomination forms are received. 
• The following questions will be asked in the nomination form:
  • In what ways does the nominee exceed the typical expectations of an academic advisor  in supporting student engagement, leadership, and success both in and out of the classroom? (300 word max)
  • How does the nominee foster an inclusive and welcoming environment at UMD, ensuring that all students feel a sense of belonging. (300 word max)
  • Is there additional information you would like to share regarding this nominee’s qualifications for the award? (300 word max)

2026 - Not Awarded

2025 - Robert Palumbo, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

2024 - Jennifer Webb, Art and Design

2023 - Jose Carrillo, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

2022 - Laura Schnell, Athletics