In the Spotlight Awards

The William J. Griffith University Service Award is for graduating students with exemplary resilience, relationships, or advocacy whose service and contributions to the community have significantly impacted university life.

The William J. Griffith University Service Award is presented in each of the following three categories: Resilience, Relationships, and Advocacy.

The Distinguished Leadership Award is for students whose leadership and contributions are grounded in one of Duke’s student leadership competencies: self-knowledge, curiosity, collaboration, innovation, and community responsibility. The Distinguished Leadership Award is given in each of the following five categories: Self-Knowledge, Curiosity, Collaboration, Innovation, and Community Responsibility.

There are many individuals throughout the Duke University community who work tirelessly to ensure that the university operates to the best of its ability. This award recognizes an undergraduate student(s), a graduate student(s), a staff member(s), and a faculty member(s) who have positively influenced the University community from behind the scenes without seeking recognition or titles and do so with a positive attitude, a willingness to help in whatever capacity necessary, and a commitment to bettering the Duke community. willingness to help in whatever capacity necessary, and a commitment to bettering the Duke community.

This award will be given to an organization that has developed a program, event, or initiative that has dedicated to chapter members, fraternity & sorority life community, and/or the Duke University community that had a positive impact on their intended audience.

This award will be given to two members within the fraternity & sorority life community whose reflects ongoing and exceptional growth in contribution to their chapter and their council, and increased levels of leadership and responsibility. This person has not yet reached a senior-level position, but their track-record should reflect a strong potential to excel in future leadership opportunities. This individual who is dependable, dedicated to an organization, has shown significant, positive growth in their leadership skills and consistent implementation of leadership talents. Additional consideration will be given to the student who is committed to community service, builds and maintains beneficials relationships with others, and strives to be a positive example for their peers.

This award will be given to two members within the fraternity & sorority life community, regardless of position who constantly strives to better the fraternal community. This individual has made solid relationships in the community and exemplifies the following values: Brotherhood/Sisterhood/Siblinghood, Service/Philanthropy, Scholarship, Leadership

The Student Organization Advisor of the Year award honors a staff or faculty member who exceeded their obligations in supporting a student organization and its students. Advisors who have enhanced the student experience, demonstrated dedication to the student organization’s success, and helped the students fulfill their mission are eligible for this award.

This award recognizes the student organization that has demonstrated consistent flexibility, creativity, and perseverance; made a meaningful contribution to students, the University, and/or the greater Durham community. The organization must embody excellence through its commitment to leadership development, collaboration with other groups, and programmatic efforts to enhance the student experience not only of their members but of the student body at large.

The Program of the Year recognizes a student organization program or series that enhanced the University community by utilizing a different and creative approach; explored and fostered efficient ways to reach and involve diverse student audiences; and coordinated and managed a well-planned program that was open to all Duke students. The nominated program or series also highlighted one or many of Duke's leadership competencies (self-knowledge, curiosity, collaboration, innovation, and community responsibility) in its purpose.

This award honors the chapter or individual who has demonstrated exceptional academic
achievement, as reflected by their Fall 2024 cumulative GPA. It recognizes a commitment to scholarly excellence and the drive to maintain the highest standards of academic performance, both within their chapter and across the Duke University community. This award celebrates those who uphold their education and exemplify the dedication required to succeed at the highest
level.

Award Criteria

• Organization must have been a recognized and registered organization for the entire
  academic year.
• The recipient(s) must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement (Fall 2024 cumulative GPA), maintain good standing with Duke University, adhere to the university's code of conduct, be in good standing with their chapter and the Fraternity and Sorority Life office, and uphold the values and standards of the Duke Greek Community Standards (DGCS).

This award will be given to an organization who have collaborated to develop a community and belonging program, event, or initiative for the chapter members, fraternity & sorority life community, and/or Duke Community. The following areas are examples of events that could be cover in community collaboration:

• Collaborations with other recognized fraternity & sorority life chapters
• Collaborations with other student organizations
• Collaborations with an official University department or office

Award Criteria

• Organization must have been a recognized and registered organization for the entire academic year.
• Organization must have hosted the event between August 2024 to February 2025.
• The program, event, or initiative was in collaboration with another recognized fraternity & sorority life chapter, student organization, and/or University department or office.
• The program, event, or initiative had a positive impact on intended audience.

The Chapter of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding fraternity or sorority chapter that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the principles of brotherhood/sisterhood, community engagement, leadership development, and academic excellence. This award celebrates a chapter’s ability to create a positive and lasting impact on both its members and the broader campus community.

Award Criteria

• This award will only be chosen based on being in “Silver” or “Gold” status for Fall 2024, continuing to meet standards during Spring 2025, and are in good standing with their Inter/National Organization, Council, and the University to be considered.
  • The chapter will be evaluated based on the following
    • Academic Excellence: Demonstrating a strong commitment to scholarship and academic achievement within the chapter.
    • Community Engagement: Contributing to and engaging with the Duke University community through service, philanthropy, and events.
    • Leadership and Collaboration: Exhibiting leadership within the chapter and through collaborations with other chapters, student organizations, or Duke entities.
    • Chapter Operations: Upholding the highest standards of organizational health, member well-being, and governance.
  • Chapters may nominate themselves for this award by submitting an application that outlines their achievements, key initiatives, and contributions to the community for the 2024-2025 academic year. The submission must be 500 words or less detailing why the chapter believes they should be selected for Chapter of the Year, including goals and strategies for the remainder of the school year while explaining the chapter’s ongoing goals and initiatives for the remainder of the academic year, highlighting plans for continued success.