The President’s Award of Excellence (Student Leadership)

The President’s Award of Excellence in Student Leadership was established in 1993 to recognize students who have made outstanding contributions to the McMaster University community through excellence in student leadership. The number of awards to be presented each year will be determined by the Selection Committee after considering all nominations in light of the criteria listed on this page.

Nominate a student by March 10, 2025. Email nomination packages to Nancy Marcos, marcosn@mcmaster.ca.

Past Recipients

Visit the Office of the President’s website to discover last year’s award recipients.

Award Recipients

Award Details

Learn more about the award and processes to nominate a student for consideration.

Students in the graduating year of their undergraduate program at McMaster University are eligible.

Criteria

The President’s Award of Excellence in Student Leadership acknowledges the contributions made by students who play a significant role in improving and developing the intellectual, social and/or cultural fabric of the McMaster community. Recipients will have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities and will have made achievements that benefitted other students and the University community as a whole. Contributions to local, provincial and national communities will also be considered. Selection decisions will be made based on the quality and depth of impacts made by the student rather than the achievement of particular positions or statuses.

Selection Process

Five members of the McMaster community comprise the Selection Committee. Members are:

  • The Associate Vice-President, Students (Chair)
  • A distinguished alumna/alumnus appointed annually by the Alumni Association
  • A staff member in a leadership position appointed annually by the Chair
  • An undergraduate student appointed annually by the Chair
  • A faculty member, recommended annually by the President

Members of the Selection Committee review and rank nomination packages independently. The Committee then decides by consensus on a list of nominees to recommend to the President. This list of recommendations, along with all nomination materials for all nominees are sent to the President no later than May 1 of the year in which the awards are to be presented. The President reviews and confirms recommendations before notifying recipients and making appropriate arrangements to present the awards at Convocation, at which time they receive a medal.

A complete nomination package includes a nomination form, curriculum vitae, a statement by the nominee and one letter of reference.

Email nomination packages to Nancy Marcos, marcosn@mcmaster.ca.