Student Group Excellence Awards

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 student group with at least five current student members that has been verified through the university's online student organization platform is eligible to apply.

Apply

Applications for 2027 awards will open next winter.

For more information, contact Mandy Chong, program director.

2026 AWARD RECIPIENTS

Seven young adults stand and hold plastic tubs while a dog sniffs the floor in front of them

2026 Rutherford Outstanding Student Organization

Narcare UO

Narcare is a national nonprofit with chapters at several universities with a goal of addressing the opioid crisis throughout the community by focusing on naloxone distribution, harm reduction, and empowerment through education. The club meets monthly to discuss plans and equip peers with knowledge relevant to the community. Spreading awareness of naloxone use and harm reduction, the club aims to keep students and peers safe.

Narcare UO has received a $1,000 award that may be used to strengthen, expand, and celebrate the group’s mission and work.

2026 Excellence in Creative Co-Sponsorship

Minority Association for Pre-Medical Students

The Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS) at the University of Oregon supports and empowers minority students pursuing careers in healthcare. By offering knowledge, skills, and professional development opportunities, MAPS helps members build character and gain valuable experience. Through community service, MAPS addresses health disparities and promotes diversity and inclusion within the healthcare field.

MAPS has received a $500 award that may be used to strengthen, expand, and celebrate the group’s mission and work.

A large group of people stand on steps in light blue T-shirts and have their hands in the shape of an O
A circle of women with black hair hold flowers in their hands toward the center

2026 Excellence in Community Impact

Womxn of Color Coalition

Womxn of Color Coalition strives to create a unified front that empowers womxn of color. We aim to build a community of compassion and opportunity, to support each other during times of need, and to find strength within each other at our predominantly white university. As a coalition, we promote intersectional feminism and continuously encourage the dialogue on marginalized identities by making visible our presence and contributions to the institution. We invite all students, staff, and faculty who identify as womxn of color, or those who wish to stand as allies to join us in seeking change and building the strength of our coalition.

Womxn of Color Coalition has received a $250 award that may be used to strengthen, expand, and celebrate the group’s mission and work.

2026 New Student Organization of the Year

Hearts for the Homeless Eugene

Hearts for the Homeless empowers students to take a lead role in local poverty relief. We provide aid through resource distribution and long-term hope through community partnerships. Our goal is to alleviate the daily burdens of homelessness while educating our peers on the systemic issues facing our city. We don’t just provide a service; we provide a support system built on the belief that everyone deserves a life of dignity.

Hearts for the Homeless Eugene has received a $250 award that may be used to strengthen, expand, and celebrate the group’s mission and work.

A group of young adults stand in a park offering free blood pressure checks