Student Awards

R. Kenneth Benson Award

Recipients of the R. Kenneth Benson Award have excelled academically; maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.6. They have also shown outstanding leadership ability and dedicated themselves to serving the University and the community. This is the most prestigious and distinguished award given to a student at Southern Utah University.

Eligibility: Current Individual Student
Requirements: GPA 3.6

Sterling R. Church Student Involvement Award

Recipients of the Sterling R. Church Student Involvement Award have shown extraordinary commitment within one specific organization, club, or department at SUU. Their contributions within the specific area are not only visible to those within their organization but to the campus as a whole. The student has gone above and beyond their call of duty.

Eligibility: Current Individual Student

Georgia Beth Thompson Service Award

Recipients of the Georgia Beth Thompson Service of the Year Award have exhibited volunteer service that has had a significant impact on Southern Utah University and the local community. This student has exhibited a high level of commitment to volunteerism and civic engagement.

Eligibility: Current Individual Student

Personality of the Year

Recipients of the Personality of the Year Award are campus characters that are remarkably funny, uncommonly kind, and a little quirky. These unique students make campus life exciting and fun, and they use their enthusiasm, optimism, and humor to lighten a situation or encourage a friend with a simple smile and impeccable timing.

Eligibility: Current Individual Student

Student Organization Award

Recipients of the Student Organization Award consistently contribute to the improvement and well-being of their members while also enhancing the educational experience of students at Southern Utah University. Through meaningful campus involvement and considerable community service, the Student Organization Award is a leading organization among the University’s numerous independent student clubs and university-sponsored organizations.

Eligibility: Independent Student Clubs and University Sponsored Organizations

Selection Awards

Scholar of the Year

The Scholar of the Year finalists are selected as exceptional students in their field by the Dean of each college. These finalists will be invited via email to an in-person interview. The awards specific judging committee of 3-5 interviewers will independently score each interviewee. The Thunderbird Awards committee will calculate the scores to determine the winner.

Student Artist of the Year

The Student Artist of the Year finalists are selected as exceptional students in their field by the College of Performing and Visual Arts Faculty. These finalists will be invited via email to an in-person performance. The awards-specific judging committee of 3-5 interviewers will independently score each performer. The Thunderbird Awards committee will calculate the scores to determine the winner.

Female Athlete of the Year

The Southern Utah University department of Athletics creates a selection committee that both nominates and selects the 5 finalists and winner of the Female Athlete of the Year Award.

Male Athlete of the Year

The Southern Utah University department of Athletics creates a selection committee that both nominates and selects the 5 finalists and winner of the Male Athlete of the Year Award.