Each year, Student Development and Activities hosts the Student Leadership Awards to recognize student leaders who exemplify scholarship, service, leadership, diversity, spirit, innovation and excellence. Students recognized at the Student Leadership Awards are the very best of our involvement community, they enhance MMC by selflessly giving back their time, energy and resources in order to create a better community for all of us.
Nominations for 2025-2026 will open February 16, 2026 on MMC Engage.
Advisor Appreciation Week will occur throughout the week of April 27, 2026 as a way to highlight all of the hardwork our advisors do for each RSO! Submissions for Advisor Appreciation Week will be accepted in early April. Please see the SDA instagram (@mmcsda) for more information soon.
The Core Council Award for Organizational Excellence recognizes one Core Council member organization that has served as a model member of the Core Council, providing involvement opportunities, celebrating the inclusive mission of MMC, and championing the cultivation of the student leaders here at MMC.
The Outstanding New RSO Member Award is our next award. This award recognizes a new RSO member that has, in their brief tenure, established themselves as a driven and committed member of their RSO, volunteering their time, assisting fellow members, and contributing to the mission of their organization.
The Outstanding New Registered Student Organization award. This award recognizes one RSO that has established themselves as an exemplary member of the RSO community, within its inaugural year of activity, providing involvement opportunities for fellow students to get involved as well as encouraging the inclusive mission of MMC.
The Outstanding Organization of the Year Award recognizes one veteran RSO that has served as a model member of the entire RSO community: providing involvement opportunities, celebrating the inclusive mission of MMC, and championing the cultivation of the student leaders in their community.
This award recognizes one student Cultural Peer Mentor who has served in an exemplary fashion to aid in the acclimation of new international students to MMC. The Outstanding CPM Award recognizes exceptional leadership, the ability to mentor one’s peers, a vested interest in the wellbeing of new students, and a strong command of the responsibilities of those in the CPM role.
The Outstanding Peer Leader Award recognizes one Peer Leader who has served in exemplary fashion to aid in the acclimation of new students to MMC. This award recognizes someone who exhibits exceptional leadership, the ability to mentor one’s peers, a strong command of the responsibilities inherent in the Peer Leader role, and a fierce concern for the wellbeing of all new students.
This award recognizes the RSO or Core Council organization program that has built community in the following areas of performance, education, community engagement, or culture and inclusion. These student programs set themselves apart by contributing to the MMC community, inspiring inclusion, and promoting developmental ideals.
The Unsung Hero Award recognizes one student who may not hold an official position of leadership but has shown significant commitment to their organization and has proven themselves a dedicated participant in all programs, meetings, and activities initiated by their RSO.
The Outstanding Student leader Awards recognize student leaders — within class years as well as for overall leadership — who show remarkable leadership skills with their organizations and throughout campus. These student leaders serve as models for their peers in advancing the mission of their organizations, advocating for their respective constituencies, and contributing to a community spirit of inclusive leadership.
Up to five students are presented this award: One first-year, sophomore, junior, and senior student leader; and one overall student leader.
This is the highest award given from the Intercultural Center and recognizes a student or organization that has made a significant impact on the institution by celebrating and encouraging the highest ideals of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. They are committed and intentional in their efforts to provide opportunities for the marginalized, and a platform for others to share their voices.
The Dean’s Award recognizes excellence in student leadership, commendable attention to, and advocacy for one’s fellow students.
Dr. Carol L. Jackson served as Vice President for Student Affairs at Marymount Manhattan College for over twelve years before retiring in 2020. During her tenure, she was known for her student advocacy, steady support, ethic of care, and, perhaps most of all, her compassionate leadership, inspiring others through encouragement and empowerment, and helping all those around her to find their unique pathway to success, however they define it.
The Dr. Carol L. Jackson Award recognizes one student each year who best exemplifies compassionate leadership.
The President’s Spirit Award recognizes one student who has shown significant school spirit and pride in being an MMC Griffin. This award recognizes outstanding leadership, and the ability to influence others to advance the mission of the college. While all nominated students are dedicated to the white and blue, this student exudes pride in Marymount Manhattan and is excited to help others find their fit on campus.
The 55th Street RA of the Year award recognizes an RA who has gone above and beyond to ensure residents live and learn in the residence halls and continue their growth into a more active citizen. The 55th Street RA of the Year strives to promote and develop individual growth: challenging values and attitudes, developing qualities of respect for others, intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, cultural awareness, self-discipline, independent judgment, and personal responsibility. This RA demonstrated outstanding leadership in both the role of RA and among the team including providing mentorship to fellow RAs.
The Found RA of the Year award recognizes an RA who has gone above and beyond to ensure residents live and learn in the residence halls and continue their growth into a more active citizen. The Found RA of the Year strives to promote and develop individual growth: challenging values and attitudes, developing qualities of respect for others, intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, cultural awareness, self-discipline, independent judgment, and personal responsibility. This RA demonstrated outstanding leadership in both the role of RA and among the team including providing mentorship to fellow RAs.
The Resident Advisor Community Builder of the Year award recognizes an RA who has demonstrated excellence in fostering an inviting, kind, accepting, and educational atmosphere in their residence hall community. The Resident Advisor Community Builder of the Year strives to promote and develop the College’s mission of student intellectual and personal growth through inclusive event planning, informational bulletin boards, theme-based door decorations, encouraging positive inter-personal resident interactions, and promoting overall Griffin pride!
This award recognizes one student who exemplifies the Intercultural Center’s three pillars: advocacy, empowerment, and perspective. The Three Pillar Award recognizes exceptional advocacy, a commitment to empowering oneself and others, and the ability to approach various situations from multiple perspectives.
Advocacy Award:
The Advocacy Award is given to a student who has actively used their voice, space, and skills to bring awareness, and change to important causes. Their dedicated efforts have had tremendous impact to the MMC community.
Empowerment Award:
The Empowerment Award is given to a student who recognizes and values the people around them, and empowers them. This student has created a space of change and impact for others in the MMC community.
Perspective Award:
The Perspective Award is given to a student who has helped to educate the MMC community around issues of equity and inclusion. This student has used their time to challenge our thoughts to help build and sustain an enriching environment of learning and growth
The RA Rookie of the Year recognizes a First-Year RA who has gone above and beyond to assimilate to the position and ensure residents live and learn in the residence halls. This first-year RA has shown commitment to learning the position, creativity in planning events and programs, and a passion for connecting with residents.
All awards are given for performance/activity within the 2025 - 2026 academic year.
You may submit as many nominations as you like.
Nominations opened on February 16, 2026 and close March 15, 2026.
The awards will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 6 PM.
Nominees will be notified of their nomination upon receipt of the invitation.