Nominations are open! Deadline for nominations is Friday, February 28, 2025.

Benny Awards nomination form

Nomination Categories 

Undergraduate Student Leader of the Year

This award is given to an ISU undergraduate student who has exemplified the qualities of a leader throughout their time as an ISU Bengal. Qualities include strong leadership skills, impact on the campus community, and involvement in a variety of organizations and activities both on and off campus. Nominees for this award should have accomplishments, service, and leadership geared toward the advancement not only of their personal goals, but toward the betterment of the University and its community.

Eligibility: Nominees must be currently enrolled, full-time ISU undergraduate students in good standing with the University and maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Nomination Criteria

• Leadership: Nominees must have demonstrated the ability to establish and achieve goals, mentor others, be a positive representative of the organization and self, make proactive decisions to achieve advancements, and have a strong rapport with peers, staff, and faculty.
• Campus and Community Service: Nominees should have a record of active involvement with co-curricular and non-academic activities and groups, activity that provided opportunities to students and/or community members.
• University Mission Advancement: Nominees must have actively demonstrated their ability to perform a task and their passion for what they do. The contributions and activities of the student clearly demonstrate why their efforts should be recognized and celebrated.

Graduate Student Leader of the Year

This award is presented to an ISU graduate student who has exemplified the qualities of a leader throughout their time as an ISU Bengal. Qualities include strong leadership skills, impact on the campus community, and involvement in a variety of organizations and activities both on and off campus. Nominees for this award should have accomplishments, service, and leadership geared toward the advancement not only of their personal goals, but toward the betterment of the University and its community.

Eligibility: Nominees must be currently enrolled, full-time ISU graduate students in good standing with the University and holding a minimum GPA of 3.5.

Nomination Criteria

• Leadership: Nominees must have demonstrated ability to establish and achieve goals, mentor others, act as a positive representative of the organization and self, make proactive decisions to achieve advancements, and evidenced a strong rapport with peers, staff, and faculty.
• Campus and Community Service: Nominees should have a record of active involvement with co-curricular and non-academic activities and groups, activity that provided opportunities to students and/or community members.
• University Mission Advancement: Nominees must have actively demonstrated their ability to perform a task and their passion for what they do. The contributions and activities of the student clearly demonstrate why their efforts should be recognized and celebrated.

Roar Bengal Roar (Spirit Award)

This award recognizes an individual or group that exemplifies a continued commitment to the spirit, principles, and legacy of Idaho State University. The student(s) nominated for this award should embody and portray characteristics associated with the “Bengal” spirit.

Eligibility: Nominees must be currently enrolled, full-time students in good standing with the university.

Nomination Criteria

• Personal Virtues: The nominee represents integrity, respect, and dignity for the University through their attitude and actions. This student serves as a role model.
• Tenacity: The nominee evidences commitment to and support of the University’s events, mission, and outreach efforts. These commitments are demonstrated by unwavering support for and recognition of continued advancement of the University and its mission.
• Charisma: The nominee inspires enthusiasm, involvement, and spirit in others through positive actions and/or leadership.

Faculty Member of the Year

This award recognizes the contributions of an ISU faculty member for their exemplary service, dedication, and support of others, both inside and outside the classroom. This faculty member has demonstrated a commitment to their field of study and the advancement of students and has characteristics that contribute to ISU’s success.

Eligibility: Nominees must be current, full-time ISU employees with at least one full year of service.

Nomination Criteria

• Holistic Perspective: The nominee seeks not only to teach students course material, but to convey compassion, dedication, and willingness to help students better themselves. This faculty member understands the potential students can achieve and develops opportunities for that potential to be met.
• Commitment to University: The nominee illustrates commitment to students and to the University by advancing research, serving on committees, participating in functions, and connecting students to University resources.
• Leadership: The nominee follows through on commitments to students, demonstrates and builds effective teams and operations, delivers quality work, and seeks to continuously expand knowledge and skills.
• Purpose: The nominee portrays mannerisms that clearly represent this individual’s passion for learning, assisting students, and supporting the mission of the University.

Staff Member of the Year

This award recognizes the contributions of an ISU staff member for their exemplary service, dedication, and support of others. This staff member has demonstrated a commitment to the University and its operations and the advancement of students and has characteristics that contribute to ISU’s success.

Eligibility: Nominees must be current full-time ISU employees with at least one full year of service.

Nomination Criteria

• Holistic Perspective: The nominee not only seeks to serve students, but illustrates compassion, dedication, and willingness to help students better themselves. This staff member understands the potential students can achieve and develops opportunities for that potential to be met.
• Commitment to University: The nominee strives to illustrate commitment to students and the University, commitment that is demonstrated by assisting students/community, serving on committees, participating in functions, and connecting students to University resources.
• Leadership: The nominee follows through on commitments to students, demonstrates and builds effective teams and operations, delivers quality work, and seeks to continuously expand knowledge and skills.
• Purpose: The nominee acts in ways that clearly represent this individual’s passion for learning, assisting students, and supporting the mission of the University.

Exemplary Service Award

This award recognizes a full-time ISU student (undergraduate or graduate) who has made notable contributions to the community through their time, actions, and dedication. The nominated student will exemplify a passion for advancing the well-being of others within the greater community.

Eligibility: Nominees must be currently enrolled ISU students in good standing with the University.

Nomination Criteria

• Community Service: The nominee has demonstrated initiative and/or leadership in service events that benefit or advance an organization whose contributions positively contribute to ISU and/or the surrounding community.
• Impact: The efforts of the nominee should be distinguishable and measurable in terms of either addressing a community’s immediate or long-term needs.
• Role Model: The nominee has acted as an example to others on how to serve with compassion, integrity, determination, and commitment to the service.

Inspirational Bengal of the Year

This award recognizes the efforts of a student who has had a significant impact on the life of at least one fellow Bengal. This influence may have taken a variety of forms; however, the student nominated for this award has assisted others in recognizing their own potential, provided inspiring leadership and/or opportunities for service, exhibited kindness, sympathy, or support, or demonstrated other inspiring qualities.

Eligibility: Nominees must be currently enrolled, full-time ISU students in good standing with the University.

Nomination Criteria

• Personal Virtues: The nominee portrays kindness, commitment, motivation, and support to those around them and serves as a role model.
• Leading through Example: The nominee leads and creates leadership opportunities through their actions, words, and example.
• Recognition of Potential: The nominee recognizes the potential of their peers and projects and actively seeks to assist in the development of that potential.

Outstanding Event of the Year

This award recognizes a group whose planning, marketing, and implementation efforts resulted in a memorable event for the ISU community.

Eligibility: Currently active departments, programs, clubs, and student organizations in good standing with the University are eligible, and the event must have taken place between the dates of January 1, 2022, and January 31, 2023.

Nomination Criteria:

• Creativity: The nominated group demonstrated uniqueness in the planning process and implementation of the event; the event design has notable characteristics that differentiate it from other campus events.
• Impact: The nominated group coordinated an event tailored to the interests and/or needs of students and the ISU community; the event positively contributed to the advancement of the university community and enrichment of student life.
• Event Planning: The nominated group demonstrated effective navigation of the planning process by conceptualizing the event, managing logistics and spaces, centralizing needs, taking effective marketing measures, and engaging in critical thinking/problem-solving.

Student Organization Advisor of the Year

This award recognizes an advisor whose ability to support, educate, and encourage a student organization has gone above and beyond the expectations. This advisor has demonstrated remarkable dedication to, and support of, the organization and students.

Eligibility: Nominees must serve as the official advisor to a currently registered ASISU student organization in good standing with ASISU and the University. Advisors must be nominated by a member of the student organization they advise.

Nomination Criteria

• University Liaison Proficiency: The nominee has demonstrated thorough understanding of how student organizations operate, including club funding, scheduling, resource acquisition, etc.
• Support: The nominee has demonstrated concern for, and interest, and investment in the students and mission of the organization and the University.
• Mentorship: The nominee has sought to teach, inspire, and advance the students they advise. The advisor has not simply supported ideas, but challenged perspectives to help student members attain their potential.

Student Organization of the Year

This award recognizes a student organization that has demonstrated excellence in the fulfillment of their mission and contributions to Idaho State University. This organization has not only inspired its own members, but has done its due diligence in impacting other students and the surrounding community through its involvement.

Eligibility: Nominees must be currently registered ASISU student organizations in good standing with ASISU and the University.

Nomination Criteria

• Event Planning: The nominated group has demonstrated effective navigation of the planning process by conceptualizing an event, managing logistics and spaces, centralizing needs, marketing effectively, and applying critical thinking/problem solving skills.
• Involvement: A majority of the nominated group’s members are actively involved in the event planning process, represent the organization in other University events, and illustrate commitment and support to the overall success of the University.
• Service: The nominated group evidences understanding of the impact and importance of service to students and surrounding community. The organization participates in at least one service project per year.
• Operation: The nominated group demonstrates effective governance and cooperation, both internally and externally.

Alumnus of the Year

This award recognizes an Idaho State University Alumnus who has contributed to the mission of the Division of Student Affairs. Contributions may include providing resources to students that support their needs and goal attainment, facilitating learning and development, promoting health and wellness, creating challenging yet supportive environments, or strengthening diversity and global perspectives.

Eligibility: Nominee must be a graduate of Idaho State University.

Nomination Criteria: The nominee must be distinguished in significant contributions and professional achievement in their prospective field (research, accomplishments, etc.) or in notable service and scholarship to the University and surrounding communities (scholarships, partnerships with the University, etc.).

Student Affairs Award of Distinction (Classified)

This award recognizes a classified employee of Student Affairs who has exemplified and contributed to the mission and vision of Student Affairs by providing opportunities for involvement and leadership, demonstrating compassion and investment in the advancement of ISU students, and/or fostering diversity and inclusion.

Eligibility: Nominees must have been employed in their current position for at least one year, working in a department under Student Affairs (see list of units below). A previous recipient who has received this award within the last three years is not eligible. Individual nominations, self-nominations, or nominations from colleagues outside of Student Affairs are welcome. Nominators are asked to describe how and why this individual meets one or more of the criteria of the award in 250 words or less. 

Nomination Criteria

• The nominee has demonstrated commitment to the betterment of the University, their department, and/or students.
• The nominee has demonstrated sustained outstanding job performance (i.e., beyond the normal scope of expectations).
• The nominee has demonstrated leadership and innovation within the context of the individual’s role and position responsibilities (e.g. exercising sound decision-making and resourcefulness, fostering the development of new ideas and creativity, being a positive role model for others).

Student Affairs Award of Distinction (Non-Classified)

This award recognizes a classified employee of Student Affairs who has exemplified and contributed to the mission and vision of Student Affairs by providing opportunities for involvement and leadership, demonstrating compassion and investment in the advancement of ISU students, and/or fostering diversity and inclusion.

Eligibility: Nominees must have been employed in their current position for at least one year, working in a department under Student Affairs (see list of units below). A previous recipient who has received this award within the last three years is not eligible. Individual nominations, self-nominations, or nominations from colleagues outside of Student Affairs are welcome. Nominators are asked to describe how and why this individual meets one or more of the criteria of the award in 250 words or less. 

Nomination Criteria

• The nominee has demonstrated commitment to the betterment of the University, their department, and/or students.
• The nominee has demonstrated sustained outstanding job performance (i.e., beyond the normal scope of expectations).
• The nominee has demonstrated leadership and innovation within the context of the individual’s role and position responsibilities (e.g. exercising sound decision-making and resourcefulness, fostering the development of new ideas and creativity, being a positive role model for others).

Departments under Student Affairs

      Academic Advising

      Admissions & IPO

      Recreation and Wellness Center

      Career Center

      Copy & Mail Centers

      Counseling and Mental Health Center

      Dean of Students 

      Disability Services

      Early Learning Center

      Enrollment Management Office

      Financial Aid

      Housing

      New Student Orientation

      Native American Student Services

      Outdoor Adventure Center

      Scholarships

      Communications & Marketing

      Student Leadership and Engagement

      Student Unions

      University Registrar

      Veteran Student Services