Student Awards

Each year, the Division of Student Affairs honors current students who have made exceptional contributions to the Notre Dame community. These honors include awards for current undergraduate and graduate students as well as graduating seniors.

Student Affairs is currently accepting nominations for the 2025-26 Student Leadership Awards, which must be submitted using this form no later than Monday, February 9, 2026.

Undergraduate winners will be recognized at the annual Student Leadership Banquet in April, and post-baccalaureate students will be recognized at the annual Graduate Student Awards Banquet in May.

Nominations are being accepted and will be presented for the following:

• The Rev. A. Leonard Collins, C.S.C., Award honors a graduating senior who has expended substantial personal effort to advance the interests of students at Notre Dame.
• The Blessed Basil Moreau, C.S.C., Leadership Award honors a senior who embodies Fr. Moreau’s vision of educating both the heart and mind, and who has demonstrated significant effort to advance the Catholic character of the University.
• The Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., Award honors a graduating senior whose contributions have significantly advanced the climate of welcome and inclusion within or beyond the University community.
• The John W. Gardner Student Leadership Award annually honors a student who exemplifies the ideals of Notre Dame through outstanding volunteer service beyond the University community.
• The Ray Siegfried Award for Leadership Excellence is awarded to a senior who exemplifies the qualities for which Notre Dame Trustee Ray Siegfried was known, including leadership, generosity, devotion to the Catholic faith, and affinity for athletics.
• The Mike Russo Spirit Award honors an outstanding undergraduate student who exemplifies the qualities for which Mike Russo was known, including service, personal character, and those who strive to bring about the best in themselves and others.
• The Denny Moore Award for Excellence in Journalism is awarded to a senior who exemplifies the qualities for which Denny Moore was known, including personal integrity and character, commitment to Notre Dame, and writing ability.
• The Sister Jean Lenz, O.S.F. Leadership Award honors a post-baccalaureate student who has displayed leadership in promoting a more diverse, inclusive campus community for students.

In addition to the awards administered by the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Student Activities Office (SAO) also annually awards ten undergraduate students with Student Leadership Awards for exemplifying the spirit of Notre Dame in social, recreational, residential, service, and religious activities that promote the welfare of the University and surrounding community.