The Annual Student Leadership Awards Banquet is a prestigious event at the College of Western Idaho (CWI) that celebrates students for their leadership and dedication to our campus community. Held toward the end of each spring semester, these awards recognize the outstanding contributions of student leaders and clubs on campus and throughout our community.
Have you had a great experience with a club, club officer, or club advisor? Club Award Nominations are open to the entire campus through the fall and spring semesters for the award categories listed below. Submit your nomination today!
Nominations
Eligibility
Are you interested in submitting a nomination for a club or organization? Be sure to review the following eligibility requirements for before submitting your nomination for review. Organizations and individuals that do not meet these requirements will not be taken into consideration.
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All organization nominees must be currently recognized clubs or organizations through ASCWI.
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All individual student nominees must be in good standing with the College.
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All individual student nominees must be actively recognized as a club officer or club member.
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All individual advisor nominees must be actively recognized as a club advisor.
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Only programs submitted and approved through the Office of Student Engagement will be eligible.
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Award Categories
Community Service Program of the Year
This award recognizes an exceptional community service program initiated and executed by a student club. The awarded program demonstrates a significant commitment to improving the community, addressing pressing needs, and fostering strong collaborations with community partners.
Outstanding Officer of the Year
This award recognizes a student whose leadership has significantly energized and enhanced their organization, the wider campus, and the community. The recipient demonstrates exceptional communication, collaboration, and decision-making, inspiring others to get involved and make a difference.
Quiet Influence
This award recognizes a student whose dedication, commitment, and unwavering support are essential to the success of their club or organization. While their contributions may not always be in the spotlight, the recipient tirelessly works behind the scenes, providing reliable support, invaluable guidance, and a selfless willingness to help others.
Rising Leader
This award recognizes a student in their first year at the College of Western Idaho (including those returning after a break) who demonstrates exceptional leadership potential and a commitment to making a difference on campus. The recipient exemplifies the college's core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, and excellence, embracing opportunities to serve alongside student leaders and administration.
Social Program of the Year
This award recognizes a student club for excellence of a specific social program that significantly enhances the campus community. The awarded program demonstrates creativity, exceptional planning, and a commitment to inclusivity, creating memorable experiences that foster connections and friendships among students.
Student Organization of the Year
This award recognizes a student organization that demonstrates outstanding contributions to the campus community. The recipient embodies excellence in community engagement, fostering collaboration, and promoting leadership development through their consistent efforts through the year.
Student Organization Advisor of the Year
This award recognizes an advisor whose dedication, guidance, and mentorship propel a student organization to success. The recipient, who often volunteers their time, empowers students to achieve their goals, fosters leadership development, and creates a positive and supportive environment for the organization to thrive.
Trailblazing Leader
This award recognizes a graduating or second-year student who exemplifies outstanding leadership on campus. The recipient has taken on significant roles, demonstrating creativity, innovation, and initiative while creating positive, lasting change in our community.
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Timeline
Jan. 21, 2025 | Nomination Form Opens
March 7, 2025 | Nomination Form Closes
March – April 2025 | Nomination Review
May 2, 2025 | Award Recipients Announced at Student Leadership Award Banquet
2023-2024
Past Winners
Community Service Program of the Year
- Rewild Project, Biology Club
Outstanding Officer of the Year
- Ramon Murguia, Psychology Club
Quiet Influence Award
- Emily Anderson, ASL Club
Rising Leadership Award
- Ramon Murguia, Psychology Club
Social Program of the Year
- VA Suicide Awareness Workshop, Student Veterans of America
Student Organization of the Year
- Biology Club
Student Organization Advisor of the Year
- Heather Schoenherr, Psychology Club
Trailblazing Leader Award
- Elliot Johnson, Biology Club
2022-2023
Past Winners
Community Service Program of the Year
- Dance Club, volunteering with youth programs to teach the fundamentals of dance
Outstanding Officer/Representative of the Year
- Danielle Couture, Queers & Allies Club
Quiet Influence Award
- Juan Martinez-Aranda, Siempre Unidos
Rising Leader Award
- Zee Ferris, Queers & Allies Club
Social Program of the Year
- Social Work Club, LGBTQ+ Panel Discussion
Student Organization of the Year
- Social Work Club
Student Organization Advisor of the Year
- Levi Terribilini-Grand, Queers & Allies Club
Trailblazing Leadership Award
- Sunny Smart, Social Work Club
2021-2022
Past Winners
Community Service Program of the Year
- Biology Club, Pollinator Garden
Outstanding Officer/Representative of the Year
- Tawa Giwa, International Club
Quiet Influence Award
- Mili Smith, International Club
Rising Leader Award
- Jacob Highburger, Gaming Club
Social Program of the Year
- Art Club, Self-Care Art Night
Student Organization of the Year
- Gaming Club
Student Organization Advisor of the Year
- Annie Estvoldt, Social Work Club
Trailblazing Leadership Award
- Craig Petersen, Psychology Club
2020-2021
Past Winners
Community Service Program of the Year
- Student Nurses Association, partnership with Family Advocates to get supplies for children in foster care
Outstanding Officer/Representative of the Year
- Mitchell Renick, Psychology Club
Quiet Influence Award
- Ana Rodriguez, International Club
Rising Leader Award
- Tawa Giwa, International Club
Social Program of the Year
- International Club, Virtual Meet & Greets
Student Organization of the Year
- American Sign Language Club
Student Organization Advisor of the Year
- Javier Garcia, Siempre Unidos
Trailblazing Leadership Award
- Joevannie Fajardo, Veteran Student Association
2019-2020
Past Winners
Community Service Program of the Year
- Abuse Survivors & Allies, Domestic Violence Awareness
Outstanding Officer/Representative of the Year
- Sky Tarrant, Abuse Survivors & Allies Club
Quiet Influence Award
- Zach Szymczycha, Biology Club
Rising Leader Award
- Allison Halsey, Queers & Allies Club
Social Program of the Year
- Chemistry Club & Physics Club, Avogadro's Number Day
Student Organization of the Year
- Abuse Survivors & Allies Club
Student Organization Advisor of the Year
- Rick Del Vecchio, Gaming Club
Trailblazing Leadership Award
- Alexis Burlile, Student Nurses Association
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Student Clubs
- Club Awards
- Club Events
- Anthropology Club
- Art Club
- ASL Club
- Aspiring Educators Club
- Astronomy Club
- Biology Club
- Chemistry Club
- Exercise is Medicine Club
- Gaming Club
- Geeks 'N Weebs Club
- Horticulture Club
- International Club
- Philosophy Club
- Psychology Club
- Queers & Allies Club
- Siempre Unidos
- Soccer Club
- Social Work Club
- Student Nurses Association
- Student Veterans Club