University Awards

The Thomas More Storke Award is awarded each year to one graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding scholarship and extraordinary service to the university, its students, and the community. The basic criteria are courage, persistence, and achievement. Nominees must have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above. If possible, a faculty letter of recommendation should be submitted with this nomination. If no letter is attached, the student will be required to submit a faculty letter of recommendation.

This award is presented annually to one graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and superior scholarship and who has – in a particularly innovative and creative way–contributed significantly to the quality for undergraduate life on campus. Nominees must have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

This award is presented annually to one non-traditional graduating senior who has demonstrated endurance, persistence, and courage in the face of extraordinary challenges while in pursuit of an academic degree.

This award is presented annually to graduates who best exemplify the principles of free speech and respectful dialogue and who foster a campus climate of civility and open-mindedness. It recognizes those who are principled leaders, conscientious citizens, and constructive and compassionate community members.

The MDY Engaged Scholar Award recognizes the legacy of Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Emeritus, Michael D. Young, particularly his commitment to empowering students toward principled leadership. It is awarded annually to one graduate or undergraduate student who has skillfully integrated their scholarly knowledge and/or values into action. Nominees must have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above. A letter of support from a faculty or staff member should be submitted with this nomination. If no letter is attached, the student will be required to submit a letter of recommendation.

Service Awards, presented annually to graduating seniors and graduate students, acknowledge a depth of involvement in several different areas of campus life. GPA requirements are based on academic performance that is equal to or higher than a cumulative GPA of 3.42, which is the scholastic average of the undergraduate student body as a whole.

These awards are presented annually to graduating seniors and graduate students who have made an outstanding contribution to a particular (perhaps fairly narrow) area of UCSB student life. The awards recognize in-depth or focused involvement and significant achievement in campus or community activities. As with the Service Awards, GPA requirements are based on academic performance that is equal to or higher than a cumulative GPA of 3.42, which is the scholastic average of the undergraduate student body as a whole.