Each spring, the Outstanding Student Awards serve to recognize the exceptional academic and co-curricular achievements of Point Park students and celebrates the impact these students have had on our campus community. Students are nominated by peers, faculty and staff. The winners are chosen by various faculty and staff, depending on the award.
In addition to the awards ceremony, the event includes a formal dinner and entertainment by Student Life staff.
Awards Descriptions
Distinguished Student Award
Each year the Point Park University Alumni Association awards the Distinguished Student Award to one graduating undergraduate student, one graduating graduate student, and one graduating doctoral student. Nominees include students who are great assets to the Point Park community and recipients are chosen on the basis of academic excellence, volunteerism/community service, and exemplary character.
Awards for Academic Excellence
The faculty of each academic department selects one student to receive the Award of Academic Excellence. Each department determines the qualifications for their award.
Anna Shields Outstanding Student-Athlete Award (beginning 2020)
The Anna Shields Outstanding Student-Athlete Award is given annually to a Point Park University female junior or senior student-athlete who displays outstanding leadership and embodies the values, spirit and tradition of being a model student-athlete during her time at the University. Deserving candidates are outstanding representatives of the school and the department in the classroom, in the community and in the sport she plays. These qualities exhibit what it means to be a student-athlete. This award is named for alum Anna Shields.
Don Kelly Outstanding Student-Athlete Award
The Don Kelly Outstanding Student-Athlete Award is given annually to a Point Park University male junior or senior student-athlete who displays outstanding leadership and embodies the values, spirit and tradition of being a model student-athlete during his time at the University. Deserving candidates are outstanding representatives of the school and the department in the classroom, in the community and in the sport he plays. These qualities exhibit what it means to be a student-athlete. This award is named for alum Don Kelly. Prior to 2020, this award was given to both male and female student-athletes.
Outstanding Student Leader
The Outstanding Student Leader Award is presented each year to a student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership during their time at Point Park and, as a result, has impacted the campus community as a whole. This student embodies what it means to be an exemplary Point Park student and, through their involvement, has helped to make the University community a better place.
Emerging Leader (First Year Student)
The Emerging Leader Award is presented each year to a first-year and to a sophomore student who have shown outstanding participation and commitment in co-curricular activities at Point Park and have shown the motivation to impact the University community as a whole.
Emerging Leader (Sophomore Student)
The Emerging Leader Award is presented each year to a first-year and to a sophomore student who have shown outstanding participation and commitment in co-curricular activities at Point Park and have shown the motivation to impact the University community as a whole.
Outstanding Contribution to Campus Inclusivity
The Outstanding Contribution to Campus Inclusivity award is presented to a student who has demonstrated a commitment to promoting equity, celebrating diversity, and supporting or leading efforts that advance inclusion on campus. Through their actions, they have impacted the university community and have improved the experiences of their peers.
Outstanding Student Organization Officer
The Outstanding Student Organization Officer Award is presented each year to an officer of a recognized student organization who has shown strong leadership within their organization and has worked selflessly for its benefit.
Outstanding Student Organization Member
The Outstanding Student Organization Member Award is presented each year to a general member of a recognized student organization who has positively influenced their group through their involvement and has shown commitment and leadership without having been in an officer position.
Outstanding Student Organization
The Outstanding Student Organization Award is presented each year to a student organization that has shown a commitment to their mission and has enhanced the experience of Point Park students either within or outside of their organization. It recognizes a group's efforts toward community building, involvement, and/or education.
Outstanding New Student Organization
The Outstanding New Student Organization Award is presented each year to a student organization that has been formed and recognized within the past two years. This organization has demonstrated excellence through membership and leadership development, campus and/or community involvement, and fulfillment of the organization's mission and purpose.
Outstanding Student Organization Program
The Outstanding Student Organization Program Award is presented each year to a recognized student organization who has planned and executed an event that has positively impacted the University community. This event, whether educational or entertaining in nature, was something that enhanced the student experience at Point Park and created a lasting impression on those who attended or participated.
Outstanding Contribution to CAB
This award is presented to a member of the Campus Activities Board who has made a meaningful contribution to the organization in furthering its mission.
Outstanding Contribution to SGA
This award is presented to a member of the Student Government Association who has made a meaningful contribution to the organization in furthering its mission.
Outstanding Pioneer Ambassador
The Outstanding Pioneer Ambassador Award is presented each year to Pioneer Ambassadors who went out of their way to make the incoming students feel welcome to the Point Park University community. They were actively involved in all orientation events and continued to reach out to students long after orientation.
Outstanding Pioneer Ambassador Leadership Team Member
The Outstanding Pioneer Ambassador Leadership Team Member Award is presented to the member of the team, the Chair or a Coordinator, who has made a significant impact to the Pioneer Ambassador program and/or at least one of the initiatives of the Office of Student Engagement. This individual exemplifies teamwork, creativity, and persistence in building a better Point Park community.
The Outstanding Resident Educator Award is presented each year to a Resident Educator who is trustworthy, respectful, responsible, fair, caring and honest. This staff member is passionate about their role and has the courage to help, regardless of recognition. They go above and beyond their job requirements and expectations, and upholds campus policy when things get tough. They compel their peers and others to connect and create a positive community, and they have made the most of their position as a Resident Educator. They strive daily to do a better job than they did the day before.