Club Awards
Club awards recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of student clubs and leaders at College of Western Idaho (CWI). Presented during the Annual Student Leadership Awards Banquet each spring, these honors celebrate the impact of student involvement on campus and in the community.
Nominations
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.
- Nominations Open: Nov. 7, 2025, at 8 a.m.
- Deadline: March 8 at 11:59 p.m.
- Nominees Notified via Email: March 13
- Nominations Reviewed: March – April
- Winners Announced: May 1
Eligibility
Be sure to review the following eligibility requirements for before submitting a nomination. Clubs and individuals that do not meet these requirements will not be taken into consideration.
- All organization nominations must be recognized by ASCWI.
- All individual student nominations must be good standing with the College and be a recognized club officer or club member.
- All individual advisor nominations must be employed by the College and recognized as a club advisor of an active club.
- All program nominations must be submitted and approved by Student Engagement to be considered.
- Each category will have specific eligibility requirements pertaining to each award.
Students, staff, and faculty may submit multiple nominations per award category. Each category will have specific eligibility requirements pertaining to each award. If you submit two nominations for the same individual, organization, or program for one award category, only your first submission will be accepted. For example, if you submit two nominations for "Chess Club's Spring Social", only the first submission will be taken into consideration.
All nominations will be reviewed by Student Engagement and a committee comprised of staff and faculty. As this will be the case, please keep all nomination entries appropriate.
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 and exceptional planning, 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.
Past Winners
Community Service Program of the Year
- STEM Night at Roosevelt Elementary, Chemistry Club
Outstanding Officer of the Year
- Daniel Strilets, Chemistry Club
Quiet Influence Award
- Madelyn Miller, Chemistry Club
Social Program of the Year
- Night of the Living Moles, Chemistry Club
Student Organization of the Year
- Exercise is Medicine
Student Organization Advisor of the Year
- Rick Del Vecchio, Gaming Club
Trailblazing Leader Award
- Caleb Ball, Astronomy Club
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
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
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
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
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