Applauding Excellence
29th Annual Gregory T. DeCrane
Applauding Excellence Awards Ceremony
Thursday, April 24, 2025
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Program begins at 7 p.m.
Lenhart Grand Ballroom
Bowen-Thompson Student Union
In-person attendance is by invitation only. Winners are expected to attend the ceremony.
To individuals with disabilities, please indicate if you need special services, assistance or appropriate modifications to fully participate in this event by contacting Accessibility Services at access@bgsu.edu or 419-372-8495. Please notify us prior to the event.
2025 DEADLINES
Nomination deadline: Feb. 27 | Application deadline: March 1
President’s Award for Distinguished Service
The President’s Award for Distinguished Service is awarded to graduating seniors and graduate students. Nominees must be currently enrolled in classes and eligible for graduation in May or August of this year or have graduated in December of the previous year. Nominees must be well-rounded individuals who have made significant contributions and have multiple involvements within the University and Bowling Green communities. Nominees must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
Students can either be nominated and then apply or apply directly for the award using the link above.
The Student Engagement Award
The Student Engagement Award is awarded to first-years, sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students. All currently enrolled students are eligible for the Student Engagement Award. Nominees must have demonstrated leadership in the University community through formal and informal leadership roles in organizations and activities. Nominees must have demonstrated outstanding service to the University community through participation in projects and activities that enhance campus life. Grade point average will be a consideration in determining recipients of the Student Enagement Award.
Students can either be nominated and then apply, or apply directly for the award using the link above.
The Outstanding Community Service Award
The Outstanding Community Service Award will be awarded to currently enrolled students. This award is designed to honor outstanding service to the public good in the form of volunteerism or employment. The intent is to recognize students who have made significant strides in bettering the quality of life at the University and beyond. Grade point average will be a consideration in determining recipients of the Outstanding Community Service Award.
Students can either be nominated and then apply, or apply directly for the award using the link above.
Outstanding Student Organization of the Year
Organizations nominated for this award should demonstrate the following criteria:
- Activities and events of the organization were consistent with the mission/purpose of the organization
- Goals set by the organization were accomplished or significant progress was made toward achieving those goals
- Opportunities were provided for members to develop and enhance leadership skills
- Meaningful contributions to the University community were made by the organization
Once an organization is nominated, they are in consideration for the award. No separate application is necessary.
Student Organization Member of the Year
Members nominated for this award should demonstrate the following criteria:
- Is an enrolled student in good standing at BGSU
- Exceeded expectations of general membership within the organization
- Demonstrated a commitment to the principles, mission, and goals of the organization
Once an organization member is nominated, they are in consideration for the award. No separate application is necessary.
Student Organization Advisor of the Year
Advisors nominated for this award should demonstrate the following criteria.
- Served as advisor during the past academic year
- Helped students to take responsibility for their own learning, development, and success of the organization while providing advice, support, and encouragement
- Open to new ideas and valued student input
- Demonstrated creative approaches to educating and assisting members
- Made themselves available to organization members, including, but not limited to, attending meetings and events
- Brought out strengths and talents of individual organization members
Once an organization advisor is nominated, they are in consideration for the award. No separate application is necessary.
Individual Scholarships and Financial Awards
For most of the following scholarships and awards, applicants must complete a General Application through Academic Works. Visit the BGSU Scholarship Resources web page for information on the application and more.
You can also click on each link to the scholarships/awards listed below, and you will be taken to Academic Works. Note, if you have not completed the General Application you will be instructed to do so before you can be considered for the scholarship.
The Ray Marvin Leadership Awards recognize students for their leadership development and contributions from the current academic year. To be eligible for a Ray Marvin Leadership Award, individuals must have been undergraduate students and demonstrate leadership on campus.
For more information, visit bgsu.edu/RayMarvin.
Award Amounts: $5,000, $4,000 and $3,000
The Hazel H. Smith Scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving full-time, off-campus or commuting student. The scholarship is awarded in the memory of Hazel H. Smith, a pioneer and champion of off-campus and commuter student services. As such, the ideal recipient will embody Hazel's commitment to the off-campus and commuter student experience.
Scholarship Amount: $750
Link to Scholarship: https://bgsu.academicworks.com/opportunities/1910
The Kathy Hawk Nicosia Leadership Award honors a rising junior or senior student each year whose concern for others at Bowling Green State University is exemplified by the characteristics of recognizable leadership, academic achievement, admirable personal qualities, as well as dedication to BGSU and the benefits derived from participating in leadership opportunities.
Scholarship Amount: $1,000
Link to Scholarship: https://bgsu.academicworks.com/opportunities/1949
Mike and Sara Kuhlin, Falcon Flames, wanted to recognize exceptional student leadership. Their time on campus – as students and administrators – prompted them to want to recognize and reward students who have demonstrated continued and increased involvement in campus activities and/or community service.
Award Amount: $5,000
For more information visit: https://www.bgsu.edu/marvin-center/awards-and-recognition/Kuhlin-Award.html
Richard A. Lenhart was a University administrator who spent more than 25 years working in student activities and programming before his death in 1984. At the time of his death, Lenhart was the associate dean of students and responsible for coordinating the activities of almost every student organization on campus. At the time of his death, he was the only person to have won USG's William T. Jerome Award twice.
Scholarship Amount: $500
Link to Scholarship: https://bgsu.academicworks.com/opportunities/1889
The Student Affairs Advocates Board Scholarship rewards exemplary leadership and academic excellence. An initial monetary gift by Don E. Cook and Sharon S. Cook created this scholarship, and then members of the Student Affairs Leadership Council provided additional monetary gifts to the fund.
Scholarship Amount: $500
Link to Scholarship: https://bgsu.academicworks.com/opportunities/1958
When the late Gerald Saddlemire, Professor Emeritus of College Student Personnel, retired on January 1, 1990, a scholarship was established to acknowledge his professional career accomplishments. A former Dean of Students within the State University of New York, Dr. Saddlemire was appointed chair of the College Student Personnel Department of Bowling Green State University on June 1, 1969. Dr. Saddlemire also served as Interim Dean of the College of Education and Allied Professionals at BGSU.
Scholarship Amount: Varies
Link to Scholarship: https://bgsu.academicworks.com/opportunities/1002
Updated: 02/26/2025 08:44AM