Student Awards

This award recognizes a student who has distinguished themselves through the following:

• Service to Utah Tech University and the community in a variety of ways
• Active involvement in multiple Utah Tech University teams, clubs, or organizations
• Attendance at a variety of university-sponsored events in support of fellow students
• Advocacy for Utah Tech University and its mission
• Leadership that enhances student success and the overall University community
• Academic excellence, demonstrated by maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5
• Completion of three or more semesters of full-time enrollment at Utah Tech University prior to nomination

• Nominations open at 8:00 a.m. on January 15, 2026, and close at 5:00 p.m. on February 20, 2026.
• Nominations must be submitted electronically.
• Nominations may be submitted by anyone—campus or community.

• Nominations are reviewed by a preliminary screening panel and evaluated against established criteria to narrow the competitive field to five finalists.
• Once the five finalists are selected, they are invited to participate in a private interview.
• A separate selection panel then evaluates the finalists and chooses the award recipient.

• Only one nomination is required for an individual to be considered within a category. However, to ensure full consideration, nominations should include all requested information so the nominee may be contacted for a personal interview, if necessary.
• An individual may be a finalist in a maximum of two categories in one competition year, and they may also receive the same award in consecutive years—if they are eligible.
• Once finalists are chosen for each category, the next several weeks are used to score nominations, conduct evaluations, and complete interviews as part of the selection process. All category finalists will be reviewed by a unique category committee to select the winner.
• Finalists and winners must be currently enrolled in Utah Tech University and are carrying a minimum of 10 credit hours.
• There is only one winner in all student categories. In the case of extenuating circumstances, a tie, or a panel’s inability to select just one winner—results are passed to the Dean of Students for a final decision.
• A category judging panel typically consists of the following: (5-person judging panel is recommended)
  • 1 Utah Tech faculty/staff member who serves as the head judge
  • 1 Additional Utah Tech faculty/staff member
  • 1 Currently enrolled Utah Tech student who is not an associate of the finalists
  • 1-2 Community/Alumni/Faculty/Staff members at large
• Note: After a head judge is selected for a category, he/she selects their committee and coordinates logistics (date and time) for judging and interviewing—if applicable. For non-interview categories, the panel meets, reviews materials together, and selects a winner.

This award is presented to an outstanding student performer or entertainer who has demonstrated the following:

• Shown exemplary talent, skill, and dedication in their chosen discipline
• Performed publicly as a representative of Utah Tech University
• Participated in multiple performance opportunities for a variety of audiences during the current academic year
• Demonstrated significant involvement within a Utah Tech University group, ensemble, or department
• Maintained full-time enrollment at Utah Tech University for two or more semesters

• Nominations open at 8:00 a.m. on January 15, 2026, and close at 5:00 p.m. on February 20, 2026.
• Nominations must be submitted electronically.
• Nominations may be submitted by anyone—campus or community.

• Nominations are reviewed by a preliminary screening panel and evaluated against established criteria to narrow the field to five finalists.
• Selected finalists are contacted and invited to participate in a private interview, during which they will present a two-minute personal performance showcasing their talent.
• Following the interview and performance, the committee submits an initial score, which accounts for 50% of the finalist’s overall score.
• Each finalist then performs a second time during the awards ceremony, where their live presentation is scored again. The combined scores from both performances determine the award recipient.

• Only one nomination is required for an individual to be considered within a category. However, to ensure full consideration, nominations should include all requested information so the nominee may be contacted for a personal interview, if necessary.
• An individual may be a finalist in a maximum of two categories in one competition year, and they may also receive the same award in consecutive years—if they are eligible.
• Once finalists are chosen for each category, the next several weeks are used to score nominations, conduct evaluations, and complete interviews as part of the selection process. All category finalists will be reviewed by a unique category committee to select the winner.
• Finalists and winners must be currently enrolled in Utah Tech University and are carrying a minimum of 10 credit hours.
• There is only one winner in all student categories. In the case of extenuating circumstances, a tie, or a panel’s inability to select just one winner—results are passed to the Dean of Students for a final decision.
• A category judging panel typically consists of the following: (5-person judging panel is recommended)1 Utah Tech faculty/staff member who serves as the head judge
  • 1 Additional Utah Tech faculty/staff member
  • 1 Currently enrolled Utah Tech student who is not an associate of the finalists
  • 1-2 Community/Alumni/Faculty/Staff members at large
• Note: After a head judge is selected for a category, he/she selects their committee and coordinates logistics (date and time) for judging and interviewing—if applicable. For non-interview categories, the panel meets, reviews materials together, and selects a winner.

This award recognizes a student who has demonstrated the following:

• A unique character, enthusiasm, and positive attitude that has made a lasting impression on Utah Tech University
• Has discovered their individuality and their willingness to let it shine
• Meaningful contributions to the positive morale of faculty, staff, and students across campus
• Exemplification of the values and spirit embodied by the “Trailblazer Spirit”
• Maintained a full-time enrollment for two consecutive semesters at Utah Tech University

• Nominations open at 8:00 a.m. on January 15, 2026, and close at 5:00 p.m. on February 20, 2026.
• Nominations must be submitted electronically.
• Nominations may be submitted by anyone—campus or community.

• Nominations are reviewed by a preliminary screening panel and evaluated against the category criteria to narrow the field to five finalists.
• Selected finalists are then contacted and invited to participate in a private interview, during which a separate panel selects the award recipient.

• Only one nomination is required for an individual to be considered within a category. However, to ensure full consideration, nominations should include all requested information so the nominee may be contacted for a personal interview, if necessary.
• An individual may be a finalist in a maximum of two categories in one competition year, and they may also receive the same award in consecutive years—if they are eligible.
• Once finalists are chosen for each category, the next several weeks are used to score nominations, conduct evaluations, and complete interviews as part of the selection process. All category finalists will be reviewed by a unique category committee to select the winner.
• Finalists and winners must be currently enrolled in Utah Tech University and are carrying a minimum of 10 credit hours.
• There is only one winner in all student categories. In the case of extenuating circumstances, a tie, or a panel’s inability to select just one winner—results are passed to the Dean of Students for a final decision.
• A category judging panel typically consists of the following: (5-person judging panel is recommended)1 Utah Tech faculty/staff member who serves as the head judge
  • 1 Additional Utah Tech faculty/staff member
  • 1 Currently enrolled Utah Tech student who is not an associate of the finalists
  • 1-2 Community/Alumni/Faculty/Staff members at large
• Note: After a head judge is selected for a category, he/she selects their committee and coordinates logistics (date and time) for judging and interviewing—if applicable. For non-interview categories, the panel meets, reviews materials together, and selects a winner.

This award recognizes a club that contributes to the well-being of Utah Tech University by:

• Demonstrating consistent strength, campus activity, and commitment to serving members and the broader campus community
• Actively participating in and supporting campus life, social events, and UTSA activities
• Providing educational and social opportunities that enhance the University’s reputation
• Maintaining a charter through Utah Tech University’s ICC (Inter Club Council)

• Nominations open at 8:00 a.m. on January 15, 2026, and close at 5:00 p.m. on February 20, 2026.
• Nominations must be submitted electronically.
• Nominations may be submitted by anyone—campus or community.

• Nominations are reviewed by a preliminary screening committee and evaluated against established criteria to narrow the field to five finalists.
• Nomination materials for the finalists are then forwarded to the UTSA Inter Club Council, which selects the award recipient.

• Only one nomination is required for an individual to be considered within a category. However, to ensure full consideration, nominations should include all requested information so the nominee may be contacted for a personal interview, if necessary.
• An individual may be a finalist in a maximum of two categories in one competition year, and they may also receive the same award in consecutive years—if they are eligible.
• Once finalists are chosen for each category, the next several weeks are used to score nominations, conduct evaluations, and complete interviews as part of the selection process. All category finalists will be reviewed by a unique category committee to select the winner.
• Finalists and winners must be currently enrolled in Utah Tech University and are carrying a minimum of 10 credit hours.
• There is only one winner in all student categories. In the case of extenuating circumstances, a tie, or a panel’s inability to select just one winner—results are passed to the Dean of Students for a final decision.
• A category judging panel typically consists of the following: (5-person judging panel is recommended)1 Utah Tech faculty/staff member who serves as the head judge
  • 1 Additional Utah Tech faculty/staff member
  • 1 Currently enrolled Utah Tech student who is not an associate of the finalists
  • 1-2 Community/Alumni/Faculty/Staff members at large
• Note: After a head judge is selected for a category, he/she selects their committee and coordinates logistics (date and time) for judging and interviewing—if applicable. For non-interview categories, the panel meets, reviews materials together, and selects a winner.

This award recognizes a student who has demonstrated the following:

• Shown extraordinary commitment within one specific organization, club, team, or department at Utah Tech University
• Made contributions to a specific area that were not only visible to those within the organization, but became impactful and meaningful to the campus as a whole
• Maintained a full-time enrollment for two consecutive semesters

• Nominations open at 8:00 a.m. on January 15, 2026, and close at 5:00 p.m. on February 20, 2026.
• Nominations must be submitted electronically.
• Nominations may be submitted by anyone—campus or community.

• Nominations are reviewed by a preliminary screening panel and evaluated against established criteria to narrow the field to five finalists.
• Nomination materials for these finalists are then given to a head judge, and finalists may be contacted to participate in a private interview, during which a panel selects the award recipient.

• Only one nomination is required for an individual to be considered within a category. However, to ensure full consideration, nominations should include all requested information so the nominee may be contacted for a personal interview, if necessary.
• An individual may be a finalist in a maximum of two categories in one competition year, and they may also receive the same award in consecutive years—if they are eligible.
• Once finalists are chosen for each category, the next several weeks are used to score nominations, conduct evaluations, and complete interviews as part of the selection process. All category finalists will be reviewed by a unique category committee to select the winner.
• Finalists and winners must be currently enrolled in Utah Tech University and are carrying a minimum of 10 credit hours.
• There is only one winner in all student categories. In the case of extenuating circumstances, a tie, or a panel’s inability to select just one winner—results are passed to the Dean of Students for a final decision.
• A category judging panel typically consists of the following: (5-person judging panel is recommended)1 Utah Tech faculty/staff member who serves as the head judge
  • 1 Additional Utah Tech faculty/staff member
  •  Currently enrolled Utah Tech student who is not an associate of the finalists
  • 1-2 Community/Alumni/Faculty/Staff members at large
• Note: After a head judge is selected for a category, he/she selects their committee and coordinates logistics (date and time) for judging and interviewing—if applicable. For non-interview categories, the panel meets, reviews materials together, and selects a winner.

This award recognizes a student who has demonstrated the following:

• Faced and overcome significant personal obstacles
• Found the strength and ability to succeed in their educational pursuits
• Maintained a full-time enrollment for 2 consecutive semesters

• Nominations open at 8:00 a.m. on January 15, 2026, and close at 5:00 p.m. on February 20, 2026.
• Nominations must be submitted electronically.
• Nominations may be submitted by anyone—campus or community.

• Nominations are reviewed by a preliminary screening committee and evaluated against established criteria to narrow the field to five finalists.
• Nomination materials for these finalists are then provided to a head judge, and a separate panel selects the award recipient.

• Only one nomination is required for an individual to be considered within a category. However, to ensure full consideration, nominations should include all requested information so the nominee may be contacted for a personal interview, if necessary.
• An individual may be a finalist in a maximum of two categories in one competition year, and they may also receive the same award in consecutive years—if they are eligible.
• Once finalists are chosen for each category, the next several weeks are used to score nominations, conduct evaluations, and complete interviews as part of the selection process. All category finalists will be reviewed by a unique category committee to select the winner.
• Finalists and winners must be currently enrolled in Utah Tech University and are carrying a minimum of 10 credit hours.
• There is only one winner in all student categories. In the case of extenuating circumstances, a tie, or a panel’s inability to select just one winner—results are passed to the Dean of Students for a final decision.
• A category judging panel typically consists of the following: (5-person judging panel is recommended)1 Utah Tech faculty/staff member who serves as the head judge
  • 1 Additional Utah Tech faculty/staff member
  • 1 Currently enrolled Utah Tech student who is not an associate of the finalists
  • 1-2 Community/Alumni/Faculty/Staff members at large
• Note: After a head judge is selected for a category, he/she selects their committee and coordinates logistics (date and time) for judging and interviewing—if applicable. For non-interview categories, the panel meets, reviews materials together, and selects a winner.