Lead Blue

This award recognizes the efforts of a newly-registered student organization that has been registered for only 1-2 years (was registered for the first time during the 2023-2024 or 2024-2025 academic years). Nominees should demonstrate a high level of potential in one or more areas, such as campus and/or community engagement, collaboration, sense of belonging, or leadership development in their first 1-2 years on campus.

This award recognizes the efforts of a registered student organization (RSO or SSO) that has been consecutively-registered for more than 2 years (has been registered since the 2022-2023 academic year). Nominees should demonstrate a high level of achievement in one or more areas, such as community engagement, collaboration, sense of belonging, or leadership development. 

This award recognizes the efforts of two or more registered student organizations (RSO or SSO) that worked together on a specific program/event/project during the academic year 2024-2025 (if the collaboration effort was tied to an event, the event must have been registered and approved by the Office of University Events). Applications will also be accepted for student organizations that worked together with University Departments or Colleges on a specific program/event/project. The outcome should mutually benefit all organizations involved in the collaboration as well as any participants. The achievement should not have been related to a recruiting or competitive event.

This award has been created to recognize an outstanding event that has occurred during the 2024-2025 academic year (August 2024-April 2025) coordinated by a registered student organization (RSO or SSO) that has had a unique impact on the university community. Events are created by students for students and occurred one time or over a period of time.

*The event being submitted must have been registered and approved by the Office of University Events.*

The Sense of Belonging Award is presented to a student that demonstrates an active commitment to creating welcoming and connected environments through programming to foster a sense of community and belonging on campus among students. This award is presented to a student who has made a positive contribution to the University by working to improve student belonging and creation of community on campus.

This award honors the exceptional commitment and service to the community by a registered student organization (RSO or SSO).  Nominees should demonstrate achievement in community engagement though one or more of the following areas: membership involvement and participation, active participation in UK campus activities, community service and/or philanthropy.

This award recognizes a registered student organization (RSO or SSO) whose programming or events during the 2024-2025 academic year were unique in nature and contributed something new on campus. For the purpose of this award, innovation is described as either (1) the creation of new programming/events or (2) the use of new ideas, technologies, products, collaborations, etc. to improve existing programming/events

This award recognizes a registered student organization (RSO or SSO) who has used the BBNvolved platform in unique or exceptional ways. This can include, but is not limited to, the following: recruitment of members, promotion of events or outstanding use of any BBNvolved tool (about, roster, events, news, gallery, documents, forms, elections, finance, and/or service hours).

Take time to recognize your registered student organization (RSO or SSO) for a milestone which occurred during the 2024-2025 academic year (August 2024- April 2025). Milestones are defined as something that marks a significant accomplishment or stage of growth for your organization. Examples need to come from one of the following categories: membership growth, anniversaries of 5 years or more (5, 10, 15 years, etc.), or significant registered event.

The Sense of Belonging Award is presented to a student that demonstrates an active commitment to creating welcoming and connected environments through programming to foster a sense of community and belonging on campus among students. This award is presented to a student who has made a positive contribution to the University by working to improve student belonging and creation of community on campus.

This award recognizes a first-year or second-year undergraduate student or first-year graduate or professional student who has made a significant impact on the UK community, and who demonstrates the potential for continued service and leadership at the University of Kentucky.  Nominees should demonstrate a high level of potential or success in one or more areas, such as membership involvement, leadership, organization development, active participation in UK campus activities, and community service or philanthropy.

This award recognizes a junior or senior undergraduate student, or graduate or professional student whose leadership and involvement experiences have made a lasting impact on the University of Kentucky community, and who demonstrates outstanding character and commitment to developing future leaders.  Nominees should demonstrate a high level of success in one or more areas, such as membership involvement, leadership, organization development, active participation in UK campus activities, and community service or philanthropy.

This award recognizes a student organization advisor for the exemplary service and commitment of working with and advising a registered student organization (RSO or SSO). Nominees should demonstrate a high level of success in one or more of the following areas: encouraging involvement in university activities; working with the group toward common goals; encouraging collaboration with other groups, faculty, staff, and campus departments; commitment to the development of responsible, informed, and engaged members of the University community; and/or assisting students with programs, meetings, and events.

*Nominees must be currently listed as an advisor within their BBNvolved registration to be considered for this award and must be full-time staff or faculty members at the University of Kentucky*

This award recognizes an outstanding member of a registered student organization (RSO or SSO) who has made a significant impact on their student organization, (please note students nominated in this category should not be currently serving in an officer position such as President, Treasurer, etc.)  Nominees should demonstrate a high level of potential or success in one or more of the following areas: commitment to the organization, dedication to community building among members, and contributions to the campus community.

*Nominees must be listed as a member within their BBNvolved organization roster to be considered for this award*

This award recognizes an outstanding officer of a registered student organization (RSO or SSO) who has made a significant impact on their student organization while serving in an officer role (such as President, Treasurer, etc.).  Nominees should demonstrate a high level of success in one or more of the following areas: commitment to the continued development of the organization, dedication to leadership and development of members, and contributions to the campus community.

*Nominees must be listed as an officer within their BBNvolved organization roster to be considered for this award*

This award recognizes a University of Kentucky sophomore, junior, or senior student who embodies the legacy of Darrell A. VanMeter. This student exemplifies a "spirit of service" in dedication to the university and greater community.    

Award History: This year marks the 33rd consecutive year the University of Kentucky will acknowledge Darrell A. VanMeter for his outstanding volunteer service achievements through an undergraduate award named in his honor.  Darrell, (a sophomore at the time of his death in 1991), was recognized by both the University community and his home community for his dedication to serving others. The impact of his "Good Samaritan" approach to helping others was apparent to faculty, staff, and students alike. Darrell A. VanMeter touched the campus with his selfless heart and his outstanding displays of volunteerism. Service was not an isolated act, but a continuous way of life for him.  As a member of the University of Kentucky community (faculty, staff, or student), we ask you to reflect upon the students you interact with in your daily work and nominate a student who you feel represents this spirit of service. 

The Robert and Freda Carlin “Unsung Hero” is an award given to one current University of Kentucky Student and one Student Success staff member or University advocate for Student Success. Created by a UK Alumnus honoring his parents, the following statement is expressed by this alumnus: “Too many times in life there are many silent and background leaders that do a lot of work to make the success of organizations and events, and too many times these leaders are not recognized for the hard work they offer-up. These awards will hopefully showcase those silent and background leaders.”

The Outstanding Senior Award recognizes two graduating student leaders for their demonstration of superior student involvement through leadership and service at the University of Kentucky throughout their undergraduate career. Areas of leadership involvement include, but are not limited to: publications and scholarship, student organizations, fine arts, athletics, and campus and community service. Recipients of this award will receive $1,000.00.