Student Awards
Each year UNH faculty and staff recognize exceptional students who have distinguished themselves in their academics, citizenship, and service by nominating them for one of the University's prestigious student awards. In May the University community gathers to formally acknowledge the outstanding achievements of these award recipients at our annual Student Award Ceremony.
Undergraduate Student Award Nomination form is open March 1 - March 29, 2023.
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Student Awards and Descriptions
The university Commission on Community, Equity, and Diversity recognizes the historical significance of these awards as avenues toward building awareness of the good work being done to bring inclusion and equity for all and to reinforce how “difference” in any setting brings value and, furthermore, recognition of this fact helps each member of our university community thrive.
Do you know a person or organization promoting empowerment and inclusion? This award will be presented to Student Organizations/Groups for their work in advancing equity and inclusion.
The Alumni Meritorious Service Award Association (AMSAA) Prize is awarded to a sophomore student who has accumulated enough credits to advance to their junior year. The award is given based on academic achievement and involvement with extra-curricular activities on campus. Students must be nominated by their Dean or Associate Dean. Grade point average, social and extra-curricular performance on the University of New Hampshire campuses will be deciding factors. The Dean/Associate Dean will receive an email with link for application to nominate students.
To that senior who has developed the highest ideals of good citizenship during his or her course of study.
Awarded to a junior or senior student who has been outstanding and well-rounded in extracurricular activities, scholarship, athletics, and loyalty to the University. (Requires a minimum 3.2 G.P.A.)
To that senior* who is distinguished for most consistent progress and achievement.
This award is a bequest from Frederick Smyth, who established this fund to support the purchase of books. It is awarded to a student who had shown the highest dedication to their own and their peers' academic success.
To that undergraduate student who has an expressed interest in public service as demonstrated through his/her course of study and extra-curricular activities, both on and off campus. (Student must have a FAFSA on file and demonstrated financial need for current year, and must not be a graduating senior)
This Graduate Student Public Engagement and Outreach Award is designed to recognize graduate students who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to public engagement, outreach, and/or service. Forms are only accepted during application period.
Learn More about the Graduate Student Public Engagement and Outreach Award
The Graduate Student Research/Scholarship/Creativity Award is designed to recognize graduate student research, scholarship and other creative work that represents the best overall contribution to the discipline.
Learn more about the Graduate Student Research/Scholarship/Creativity Award
Graduate Teaching Assistants contribute significantly to the teaching mission of the University. The Graduate Student Teaching Award is designed to recognize graduate students who have demonstrated excellence in teaching.
Awarded to the sophomore* paying part or all of their way through the university who, shows the greatest promise of outstanding achievement in American citizenship, leadership and scholarship.
To that senior* man who shows the greatest promise through character, scholarship, leadership, and usefulness to humanity.
Awarded to a junior or senior who's been dedicated to their on-campus job and has made a positive impact on the UNH Community.
To recognize sophomore* and/or junior* level students who have shown an understanding and appreciation of the value of a university education, and who have accepted the responsibility to share their education to better the community in which they live. (requires a minimum 2.8 G.P.A. and should demonstrate nominees desire to contribute financially to their education through part-time or summer employment).
Before his death in 1993, UNH alumnus and former Dean of Students William "Bill" Kidder established a fund to support educational efforts directed at enhancing the understanding of sexual minorities and gender identities. The annual awards seek to honor those who, through their scholarship, leadership, or outstanding efforts, foster greater understanding of sexual orientation and gender expression at the University of New Hampshire. These awards will be presented at the annual LGBTQ+ Pancake Breakfast usually scheduled in April. This award is presented to selected student, faculty and staff members.
To recognize excellence in leadership, scholarship, and citizenship. This award does not accept nominations; it is awarded at the discretion of the Student Awards Committee.
To that senior* woman who shows the greatest promise through character, scholarship, leadership and usefulness to humanity.
Awarded to a senior who has gone above and beyond to help others out of the goodness of their heart. They have been seen positively influencing others from behind the scenes with a positive impact on the UNH community. (established 2023)
Awarded to a student who shows the greatest promise through character, scholarship, leadership and usefulness to humanity.(established 2023)
*Class Standing for all awards is defined by the UNH Registrar's Office report of credits earned, as posted in Banner System.