UO Student Group Excellence Awards

These awards are made possible by a generous gift from William D. Rutherford (UO class of 1961) in collaboration with the EMU and ASUO. They recognize and reward student groups that best inspire and engage others, promote inclusion and diversity, and create a fun and positive environment.

Student groups can receive cash awards in the following categories:

  • $1,000 Rutherford Outstanding Student Organization
  • $500 Excellence in Creative Co-Sponsorship
  • $250 Excellence in Community Impact
  • $250 New Student Organization of the Year

Any UO-recognized student group with at least five current student members that has been in existence for at least one academic year is eligible to apply.

Apply

Deadline: Saturday, April 24, 2021

Apply Here

For more information, contact Laurie Woodward, EMU Director.

2021 AWARD RECIPIENTS

2021 Rutherford Outstanding Student Organization

University of Oregon Outdoor Program

The Outdoor Program's mission is to inspire learning through student-powered outdoor adventure. This year the OP partnered with programs and organizations across campus and throughout the community to amplify, elevate, and involve voices that are often marginalized in outdoor spaces. Through local trips and a wide variety of gear rentals, resources, and clinics, the OP successfully motivated and trained hundreds of students to get outdoors, try new adventures, and stay active.

The UO Outdoor Program received a $1,000 cash award that may be used to strengthen, expand, and celebrate their mission and work.

2021 Excellence in Community Impact

UO Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Incorporated

The University of Oregon Xi Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta is one of the few Latinx-based, multicultural fraternities in existence. Although everyone is welcome, Sigma Lambda Beta provides a place where Latinx members feel supported and encourages members to speak the language they learned at home and share cultural references often not shared in traditional fraternities. As primarily first-generation college students that are breaking cycles that have been sewn into their families, the group prides itself on being involved members of the campus and local community and considers it a privilege to seek and attend higher education. Being active on campus and in the community allows Sigma Lambda Beta to lead by example and serve as mentors for Latinx students in local K-12 schools.

Over the past year, the UO chapter sought and received a $10,000 Latinx Leadership Network grant. Funding was re-awarded as scholarships to UO students to help them successfully navigate school and deal with the many stresses they faced.

UO Sigma Lambda Beta received a $250 cash award that may be used to strengthen, expand, and celebrate their mission and work.