The Division of Student Affairs offers a variety of awards, recognitions, and a scholarship to current students who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to the areas of student leadership, university-wide activities, residential life, multicultural awareness, and involvement throughout campus. Student Affairs also awards the prestigious Alcalá Award as well as various scholarships based on need. Please find the nomination criteria below.
The nomination and selection process begins during the spring semester and culminates in the annual Honors Convocation and Commencement.
Nominate Someone!
Nominations for the 2025-2026 Academic Year are now closed.
If you have any questions about the awards and/or scholarship below, please contact studentlife@sandiego.edu.
Student Affairs Student Awards
The minimum GPA requirement for the following four awards is 3.0:
Carmen M. Vazquez Award for Outstanding Service to the Entire Campus through Their Involvement
This award is generally presented to a junior or senior student who has been actively engaged and made contributions in numerous areas of campus life.
Dr. Thomas J. Cosgrove Award for Outstanding Service in Student Government
This award is generally presented to a junior or senior student who has been actively engaged and made outstanding contributions to student government.
Outstanding Service in University-Sponsored Activities
This award is generally presented to a junior or senior student who has provided deep, meaningful, and consistent contributions to departmental initiatives and programs. (Examples include, but are not limited to, Empower Retreat, Student Conduct Hearing Board, OLÉ Team, Changemaker Student Committee, etc.)
Outstanding Contribution to Multicultural Awareness and Understanding
This award is generally presented to a junior or senior student who has been actively engaged and made outstanding contributions to multicultural awareness and understanding.
UC/SLP Leadership, Spirit, and Service Awards
As stated on the award hanging in the University Center Foyer, "reflecting the purposes of the Hahn University Center as a community center and as a center for programming, leadership development and student services, these awards are presented to student employees who have demonstrated outstanding service, leadership and spirit."
University Special Award
University Special Award
St. Catherine Medal
The St. Catherine Medal for Student Achievement is an annual award for presentation at colleges and universities affiliated with Kappa Gamma Pi, the National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society, however, nominees do not need to be members of this Honor Society. The award typically goes to a student who represents the high ideals of a Catholic college education. The recipient is selected by Student Affairs and University Ministry.
Criteria
- Sophomore or junior
- May be a member of any religious denomination/faith tradition
- Represents the high ideals of a Catholic college education
- Demonstrates leadership and service to the university
Student Affairs Scholarship
The Bob Hope Leadership Scholarship
Established in 1978 from the proceeds of a Bob Hope Benefit evening arranged by the Associated Students, this scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior with a minimum of 3.0 GPA who has exercised leadership on campus. Financial need is required. No major is required.