The Office of Student Life strives to honor the important work of students, faculty, and community members who give selflessly to others through service, leadership and support. Each year, we honor this commitment and service through a series of annual recognition events that are free and open to the public.

Also, thanks to a number of donors and friends of Ball State University, the Office of Student Life, and student organizations, a number of service and leadership-based scholarships are also available to students who have demonstrated excellence, commitment, and passion for leadership and service over the past year.

Student Organizations

Every year, our Student Organization Awards Reception (SOAR) recognized student organizations and their leaders for their commitment and passion all the while striving to add value to the Ball State student experience on campus.

The following individual and organizational awards are selected and announced by the Office of Student Life and the Student Organization Awards Selection Committee, which is comprised of faculty and staff members from across campus.

  • Advisor of the Year
  • New Member of the Year (for orgs. with less than 50 members)
  • New Member of the Year (for orgs. with more than 50 members)
  • Rising Star (for orgs. with less than 50 members)
  • Rising Star (for orgs. with more than 50 member) 
  • Executive Board Member of the Year (for orgs. with less than 50 members)
  • Executive Board Member of the Year (for orgs. with more than 50 members)
  • President of the Year (for orgs. with less than 50 members)
  • President of the Year (for orgs. with more than 50 members)
  • Most Engaging Social Media
  • Event of the Year (under 50 attendees)
  • Event of the Year (51+ attendees)
  • Paiseworthy Post
  • Student Organization of the Year (for orgs. with less than 50 members)
  • Student Organization of the Year (for orgs. with more than 50 members)
  • Power of Belonging
  • Spirit of Beneficence
  • Community Impact
  • New Initiative of the Year
  • Collaboration of the Year

On an annual basis, 3,000-plus students step into the community and positively impact the Muncie and Delaware County community by serving more than 70,000 hours of service through coordinated programs, independent programs, signature events, immersive learning projects, and service learning experiences. 

As an institution and office we are committed to recognizing student leaders who demonstrate exceptional commitment to community service as a volunteer and active citizen in the Ball State and surrounding community.

This award recognizes an outstanding graduating senior who has exhibited an exceptional commitment to community service as a volunteer during their undergraduate years at Ball State University.

Eligibility

The applicant must be graduating with an undergraduate degree during the current academic year.

A fully completed application must be received by the deadline in order to be considered. 

Selection Criteria and Process

A selection committee comprised of representatives from the Muncie community, Ball State faculty, staff, and students will review application materials, select and interview finalists and determine the awardee.

Applications will be judged on the basis of the applicant’s:

  • impact through service on the population served
  • demonstration on an authentic and sustained commitment to service
  • service summary and statement effectively communicate and support the overall application
  • interview with a committee of Ball State and community non-profit representatives
  • two references that assess the applicant's reliability, initiative, and team building among other categories 

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a completed application, via Benny Link, which includes a

  • application form
  • personal statement
  • service summary form
  • two reference forms

APPLY HERE

Questions?

Applicants can call 765-285-2621 or email us with any questions.

The Tom and Pam Smith Scholarship was developed for students studying teacher education or business.

The scholarship is $1,000 ($500 in the Fall and $500 in the Spring).

Eligibility

The applicant must be a current undergraduate student (freshmen, sophomore, and junior) who will be returning as an enrolled student in the next academic year.

A fully completed application must be received by the deadline in order to be considered. 

Selection Criteria

Also, the recipient must have:

  • a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • demonstrated financial need
  • involvement in community service-related activities and returning to Ball State University in the next academic year 

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a completed application via Benny Link which includes:

  • a summary of your campus involvement, service experiences, and work experience
  • ·one- to two-page personal statement
  • two references

APPLY HERE

Questions?

Applicants can call 765-285-2621 or email us with any questions.

Student receiving Emens Award

Emens Award 

Every year, Ball State recognizes one standout graduating senior with the John R. Emens Award. As one of the University’s top honors for students, the award celebrates the recipient’s cumulative record of academic achievement, leadership, and contribution to the University. Learn more.