Student Leadership Awards
Each year the Division of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Office coordinate the process of selecting outstanding student leaders for the prestigious Kenneth R. Venderbush Award and Thomas M. Seykora Award. Both awards will be presented during a recognition ceremony in the spring. These are among the most significant recognitions of our student leaders made by Grand Valley State University.
For the 2026 Student Leadership Awards, faculty and staff are asked to use the single nomination form below. The Awards Committee will select the recipient of the Kenneth R. Venderbush Award (one award) and recipients of the Thomas M. Seykora Award (up to six awards). All nominees will be contacted by email and invited to complete the Student Nominee Response Form.
The award recipients and nominators will receive an invitation to the Student Leadership Awards celebration in the spring.
The nomination deadline is Monday, February 23, 2026.
If you have questions about the nomination process, please reach out to our office: [email protected].
KENNETH R. VENDERBUSH STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD INFORMATION
The Venderbush Award recognizes one senior who has demonstrated an exceptional blend of academic achievement and leadership efficacy while making significant contributions to the campus community.
THOMAS M. SEYKORA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION INFORMATION
The Seykora Award recognizes seniors who, through their involvement, have made significant contributions to the GVSU campus community.
Additional student leadership awards are administered by the Office of the Provost. Visit the Provost's Office website to learn more.