Celebrating Outstanding Leaders

April 25 at 4 p.m.

Do you know an outstanding student leader, organization, mentor, or colleague and want the opportunity to acknowledge how much you appreciate the work they do for the UB and Buffalo community? Nominate them for a Pillars of Leadership Award!

Formerly known as the LEAD Awards, The Pillars of Leadership Awards are designed to recognize individuals and organizations who have demonstrated a commitment to leadership, service, mentorship, and the UB and Buffalo communities.

The Pillars of Leadership Awards Ceremony will take place on April 25, 2024. Student Engagement will email all nominees and nominators on April 12 to invite them to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of the UB community.

On This Page:

Nomination Process is Open!

Nominations are open through 12 p.m. EST on Friday, April 12!

UBITName and password required

Awards by Category

There are a total of 23 awards that students, faculty, and staff can nominate leaders for, with multiple winners for some of those awards. Check out each category to see those awards and what we look for in our winners. 

Important Dates
  • April 12 at 12 p.m. - Nominations due
  • April 12 - Nominees and nominators invited to The Pillars of Leadership Awards
  • April 25 at 4 p.m. - The Pillars of Leadership Awards Ceremony

Special Acknowledgments

As part of The Pillars of Leadership, it is important to acknowledge some student groups that have made significant contributions to the UB community before their graduation. The students in these groups have demonstrated strong leadership skills, teamwork, and dedication to personal and professional growth throughout their time here. They have inspired future generations of leaders and fostered a culture of excellence and achievement at UB. 

A special thank you to all of these students for their hard work and commitment to making the UB community a better place.

2023 Award Recipients

Congratulations to our 2023 Pillars of Leadership Award Recipients! We had over 130 nominations for these awards - a huge congratulations to all who were nominated!

Here to Career & Mentorship Initiatives

  • Here to Career Employee of the Year (Undergraduate) - Julian Livingston, Health Promotions
  • Here to Career Supervisor of the Year (Graduate) - Delany McNulty, Career Design Center
  • Here to Career Supervisor of the Year (Faculty/Staff) - Nancy Schimenti, Center for the Arts
  • Exemplary Mentorship Award (Graduate Student) - Brian Morreale
  • Exemplary Mentorship Award (Emerging Faculty/Staff) - Dr. Catherine Jampel
  • Exemplary Mentorship Award (Mid-Level Faculty/Staff) - Dr. Stephen Santa-Ramirez
  • Exemplary Mentorship Award (Senior Faculty/Staff) - Joshua Sticht

Community & Civic Engagement

  • Dorothy M Haas Community Engagement Award - Kamya Shah and Kevin Corrales
  • Outstanding Community Impact Award (Undergraduate) - Adam Ghraizi
  • Outstanding Community Impact Award (Graduate) - Catherine Lawton 
  • Exceptional Community Partnership Award - Dr. Jessica Kruger and the Seneca Babcock Community Center 
  • Visions of Social Justice Award (Undergraduate) - Daysia Augustin 
  • Visions of Social Justice Award (Graduate) - Qui’Essence Harris

Fraternity & Sorority Life

  • Outstanding Service to the UB Greek Community - Jonathan Abraham, Lambda Chi Alpha
  • Outstanding Service to the UB Greek Community - Temilayo Anthony, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Leadership

  • Emerging Student Leader Awards - Cameron Kiner and Madison Nitsche
  • Exemplary Student Leader Awards - Maxine Dupuis and A.J. Franklin
  • Innovative Student Leadership Awards - Kartike Chaurasia, Maahi Muntaqa, and Catherine Lawton
  • Service Above Self Award (Student) - Iryna Dovirak
  • Service Above Self Award (Faculty/Staff) - Dr. Colleen Balukas
  • UB Pride & Service Award (Undergraduate) - Aiona Lawrence
  • UB Pride & Service Award (Graduate) - Jada Mowatt

Student Governance & Organizations

  • Organization of the Year - Food Recovery Network
  • Innovative Program or Event of the Year - Human Rights Initiative Conference
  • Student Organization Officer of the Year - Vaishali Maheshkar, Graduate Indian Student Association
  • Outstanding Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiative Award - Women’s Healthcare and Wellness Association
  • New Student Organization of the Year - Hindu Student Council
  • Student Organization Collaboration of the Year - Residence Hall Association, Student Association, Stand Up and Laugh, UB Musicians
  • Student Organization Award for Excellence in Academics and Service - Society of Automotive Engineers

Learn More About These Winners

Click on each of the categories below to learn more about each of our incredible award winners.

More Ways to Celebrate

Check out the Celebration of Academic Excellence for more awards and ways to recognize student leaders on campus!