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 (not awarded in 2025)
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 2026 awards will open in spring 2026
Apply for a Student Group Excellence Award
For more information, contact Mandy Chong, program director.
2025 AWARD RECIPIENTS
2025 Rutherford Outstanding Student Organization
National Association of Black Journalists
The University of Oregon's National Association of Black Journalists chapter strives to strengthen the collective effort of Black students on campus by providing a community and platform on which to share experiences. Together, they hope to advance journalism to increase the diversity of perspectives in all news media. Through weekly meetings, community events, guest speakers, and workshops, they hope to strengthen members' connections with the community while creating content they are proud of.
The UO chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists has received a $1,000 award that may be used to strengthen, expand, and celebrate the group’s mission and work.
2025 Excellence in Creative Co-Sponsorship
Asklepiads Pre-Medical Society
This year the Asklepiads collaborated with other pre-health clubs to host Med Advance, a medical conference open to the entire university where attendees networked with local physicians, learned how to suture and do ultrasound, and connected with members of other pre-health clubs that they haven't met before.
Asklepiads Pre-Medical Society has received a $500 award that may be used to strengthen, expand, and celebrate the group’s mission and work.
2025 Excellence in Community Impact
Oregon Mindfulness
The club serves two primary purposes. The first is to create a peer-led space for learning and practicing meditation and mindfulness practices. They aim to introduce students who may be swept up in the fast-paced campus lifestyle to the simple practice of slowing down and being present. They believe this brings a valuable richness and intimacy to life. The second purpose is to cultivate a community with an atmosphere of authenticity, vulnerability, and emotional intimacy. They hold discussions alongside meditations that open the floor, both in small groups and large circles, to talk about emotions, life situations, and themes in their life. This creates a tight-knit community where deep and authentic bonds form.
Oregon Mindfulness has received a $250 award that may be used to strengthen, expand, and celebrate the group’s mission and work.