Nominations open for the 2026 Student Impact Awards 

The Offices of Civic & Community Engagement (OCCE), Fraternity & Sorority Engagement (FSE), Leadership Engagement (OLE), and the Office of Student Engagement invites the campus to participate in the second annual Student Impact Awards – a unified celebration of leadership, service, and engagement at Wake Forest and in the greater Winston-Salem Community.

These awards recognize individuals and groups who embody the spirit of Pro Humanitate through meaningful service, innovative programs, and exceptional leadership.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Student Impact Awards and will be accepted through Friday, March 6, at 11:59 p.m. Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, April 7, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in Benson University Center, Room 401, where all members of the campus community are invited to attend. RSVP on Paperless Post. 

Award Categories

• Individual Student Awards – Recognizing student leaders who drive social change, excel in service, and demonstrate outstanding leadership.
  • Awards: Change Maker Award, Christman Award, Fraternity & Sorority Leader of the Year, Outstanding Emerging Leader of the Year, Outstanding Student Leader of the Year, Service Excellence Awards, Student Union Golden Key Award
• Student Scholarships – Honoring upper-class students who exhibit exceptional leadership, academic achievement, and a commitment to service on campus and in the Winston-Salem community.
  • Awards: Chinuntdet-Crowe Leadership Scholarship, Christman-Cooper Scholarship
• Student Organization Awards – Celebrating student organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership, impact, and service.
  • Awards: Student-Led Initiative of the Year, Student Organization of the Year, Chapter of the Year, Event of the Year, New Student Organization of the Year, Registered Student Organization of the Year, Student Organization Service or Philanthropy Excellence Award
• Faculty, Staff & Community Partner Awards – Recognizing partners for outstanding mentorship, leadership, and service, including excellence in service-learning, student organization advising, and community engagement.
  • Awards: Advisor of the Year, Community Partner Service Excellence Award*, Faculty Service Excellence Award*, Michael G. Ford Award for Servant Leadership

Find full award descriptions, explore past Student Impact Award recipients (OCCE Service Awards, SOAR Awards, and submit a nomination today.

*Select awards will be presented at a separate awards ceremony at a later date.