Student of the Year (SOTY)
All year long, staff and faculty at Stenberg College submit nominations of students who exemplify excellence in academics, leadership, attitude, community service and spirit. We receive many nominations and stories of students who have gone above and beyond what is expected of them.
Before the Spring Graduation in April, we announce the names of those who have been nominated from the spring graduating cohorts. We continue to collect nominations until the Fall Graduation in October, when we announce the names of those who have been nominated from the fall graduating cohorts.
The Student of the Year winner receives a FULL tuition reimbursement (up to $20,000), the first runner-up receives a $5,000 tuition reimbursement, and the second runner-up receives a $2,500 tuition reimbursement. All other program finalists receive a $1,000 tuition reimbursement.
Students are nominated by instructors and staff based on the following criteria:
In August, we face the difficult challenge of selecting one finalist from each program. Each program finalist will be interviewed, and from this group, one winner, a first runner-up, and a second runner-up will be selected.
- Excellence – as a student, a professional, and a person
- Leadership and Responsibility
- Positive, Caring & Proactive Attitude
- Community Service & Volunteerism (both within and outside the classroom)
- Campus Spirit
Awards are given out in October of every year. Students graduating from any Stenberg College Program, classroom or online, are eligible.