Student Leadership Recognition

Through the Celebration of Leadership, PLU celebrates students who live lives of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership, and care while empowering their peers to do the same.  Through the awards listed below, Student Involvement and Leadership encourages faculty, administrators, staff, and students to take time to acknowledge the contributions of student leaders who have excelled academically and made a difference through their leadership and service at PLU and in their communities.

Send your nomination letters to sil@plu.edu by Friday, March 15th, 2013. Nomination letters should include:

• A thorough description of your nominee's academic and co-curricular accomplishments and positions of leadership, both on campus and in the community
• A description of the attributes your nominee possesses (e.g., care for others, critical reflection, initiative, etc.) and how these characteristics set your nominee apart from his or her peer group

Graduating students are eligible for the Pinnacle Society and the Ubuntu Award. Click here for a list of eligible students who are graduating. Continuing students are eligible for recognition as Leaders of Distinction. 

A selection committee will review all nominations.  Finally, the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students will confirm those students recommended for Pinnacle Society membership and those who will receive the Ubuntu Award. Recognized students will be honored at the Celebration of Leadership on May 13, 2013.

Pinnacle Society 

This leadership distinction has become synonymous with excellence in leadership, scholarship, service, and community impact throughout a student’s undergraduate experience. At PLU, Pinnacle Society is our highest honor for leadership and co-curricular involvement.  Graduating seniors are nominated by the PLU community. Recipients will be presented with a framed certificate of membership and a commemorative sash, to be worn at commencement. 

The Ubuntu Award

The philosophy of Ubuntu is translated as “I am because we are” and has become a core theme of leadership development programs at PLU. Student involvement and leadership roles at PLU daily demonstrate the fundamental value of self for others.  Graduating seniors are nominated by the PLU community. Recipients will be presented with a pin to be worn at commencement. 

Leader of Distinction Award

The Leader of Distinction award recognizes students who have demonstrated leadership skills through their affiliation with a student organization or university department. Continuing students are nominated by the PLU community. Recipients will be presented with a certificate during the Celebration of Leadership.This award is for current PLU students.