University Life Awards
The University Life Awards recognize outstanding students, student organizations, staff, and faculty for their contributions to the quality of student life at UTSA. The awards are one of UTSA’s longest traditions and are presented annually during the spring semester. The celebratory event is a collaborative effort by the Student Involvement Center, Honors Alliance, and the Student Government Association.
Award Nominations and Eligibility
Individual Student Awards
There are three types of individual student awards. The highest honors of the event go to the recipients of the Jane Findling Award, recognizing individual achievements over the 2025-2026 academic year, and the Golden Feather Award, recognizing students that have crafted a powerful legacy over the course of their academic careers at UTSA. The required GPA and credit hour requirements for consideration are different for undergraduate and graduate students and can be found on the nomination form.
Most Outstanding by Classification Award
This award goes to students in each classification who best demonstrate outstanding leadership and service to UTSA and the local community. Academic achievement, participation in, and significant contribution to the University and the community are considered. Classification as Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior is based on credit hours.
Jane Findling Award
Named for the first person to serve as the UTSA Director of Student Activities and University Center from 1977 to 1990, the Jane Findling Award was established to remember the students who dedicated their time and talent in the early days of UTSA. Today, this award recognizes students who best demonstrate outstanding excellence in leadership and service to the University and best represent the ideal UTSA student leader. A nominee’s impact and lasting legacy to the university community over the 2025-2026 academic year is part of the criteria.
Golden Feather Award
The Golden Feather Award is a prestigious award that recognizes students whose contributions to UTSA have greatly benefited the University during their entire UTSA career. Their accomplishments represent the ideal UTSA student leader who excels academically and in their co-curricular activities. These students are driven by passion and love for their fellow Roadrunner community and are leaving a legacy to students of the future.
Submit a Nomination
To nominate someone for one of the awards above, please submit a University Life Award Nomination by Thursday, April 9 at 11:59 pm.
Student Organization Awards
There are four categories of awards to recognize the efforts of Registered Student Organizations (RSO) at UTSA and their leadership. The nomination form allows for multiple submissions to each category. All organization and leadership information will be verified through RowdyLink.
Outstanding Student Organization President
The Outstanding Student Organization President award recognizes a president from a currently registered student organization who advanced the mission of their student organization while challenging and encouraging the membership to advance new initiatives, acquire new skills, and prepared the group for leadership transition and ongoing success. Nominees must be listed on the organizations RowdyLink roster.
Outstanding New Student Organization
The Outstanding New Student Organization Award recognizes an organization that demonstrated a progression of growth throughout the year(s) as indicated by their programming and membership. This organization will have had an impact on the University community either through programming or fulfilling a void in the institution. Nominees must be six or fewer semesters in existence.
Outstanding Registered Student Organization
The Outstanding Registered Student Organization award recognizes an organization that demonstrated innovation and creativity through its activities and programs. The organization embodies the UTSA spirit through its commitment to leadership development, collaboration among groups, and programmatic efforts to enhance the quality of campus life at the University. Nominees must be registered for at least two semesters in existence
Outstanding Student Organization Initiative, Program, or Event
The Outstanding Student Organization Initiative, Program, or Event award recognizes an organization that demonstrated innovation and creativity through a single Initiative, Program, or Event. Initiative, program, or event should be impactful to either members, the university committee, or the San Antonio community.
Submit a Nomination
To nominate someone for one of the awards above, please submit a University Life Award Nomination by Thursday, April 9 at 11:59 pm.
Fraternity Sorority Life Awards
There are two categories of awards to recognize the efforts of Fraternities and sororities at UT San Antonio and their leadership. The nominations include an application and a written statement for each category. All organization and leadership information will be verified through RowdyLink.
Chapter of the Year Award
The Chapter of the Year award recognizes a chapter in each council that exemplifies excellence, cultivates social growth, promotes active engagement in community service, campus involvement, leadership, and champions philanthropic endeavors. The chapter strives to provide a supportive environment where members can flourish intellectually, socially, and morally, equipping them with skills and resources necessary for success both on campus and beyond.
Advisor of the Year Award
This award recognizes a chapter advisor (alumnae/alumni or faculty/staff) who goes above and beyond to serve the undergraduate organization. When considering which advisor to nominate (if you have more than one), organizations should account for service to the UTSA FS Life community, involvement with the national fraternity or sorority, assistance/guidance provided during organization issues, as well as overall engagement with the organization membership.
Submit a Nomination
To nominate someone for one of the awards above, please submit a University Life Award Nomination by Thursday, April 9 at 11:59 pm.
Faculty and Staff Awards
There are three types of faculty (professor) and staff awards. These awards recognize the work, dedication, and care given to students and student organizations by a faculty or staff member at UTSA.
- Diane Abdo Outstanding Advisor Award
- Outstanding Staff Member
- Outstanding Professor
Submit a Nomination
To nominate someone for one of the awards above, please submit a University Life Award Nomination by Thursday, April 9 at 11:59 pm.
Golden Feather
The Golden Feather Award recognizes students whose contributions to UTSA have greatly benefited the University during their entire UTSA career. Their accomplishments represent the ideal UTSA student leader who excels academically and in their co-curricular activities during their entire time at UTSA. The recipients of this award are driven by passion and love for their fellow Roadrunner community and are leaving a legacy.
- Sudais Imtiaz
- Tanner Balolong
- Sahana Babu
- Sara Torrentera
- Sandra Sreejith
- Melyna Perez
- Paul Gonzalez
- Ollie Valdez-Ortiz
- Jonah Espinosa
Jane Findling Award
The Jane Findling Award recognizes students who best demonstrate outstanding excellence in leadership and service to the University and best represent the ideal UTSA student leader. Impact and legacy to the university community over the 2025-2026 academic year is part of the criteria.
Pictured from Left to Right:
- Ariel Castoreno
- Josiah Benavidez
- Gloria Tran
- Fiona Valorz
- Bobbie Faith Garcia
- Alicia Anaya
- Abigail Navarro
- Jasmine Rendon
Not pictured:
- William "Reese" Bookout
Student Organization Awards
Outstanding Registered Student Organization
- Alpha Delta Pi - Iota Alpha Chapter
Outstanding New Student Organization
- The Butterfly Effect Eco-Initiative
Outstanding Student Organization President
- Hannah Huron, Aeronautics and Rocket Club
Outstanding Student Organization Initiative, Program, or Event
- El Club de Español - Día de los Muertos Celebration
- Association of Computing Machinery - Rowdy CyberCon
Volunteer Organization of the Year
- Terry Scholars Student Organization
Fraternity and Sorority Life Chapter of the Year
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated - Omicron Tau Chapter
Fraternity and Sorority Philanthropy of the Year
- Zeta Tau Alpha - Lambda Gamma Chapter
Volunteer Awards
Sandra Cisneros Service to the Community Endowed Scholarship
- Jerene Bustamante
- Emily Solis
VOICES Member of the Year
- Michael Valdez
Volunteer of the Year
- Robbie Janysek
Faculty and Staff Awards
Diane Abdo Outstanding Advisor
- Lilian Cano - El Club de Español
Fraternity and Sorority Life Advisor of the Year
- Clair McMahon-Jones - Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority - Delta Upsilon Chapter
Outstanding Staff Member
- Lilian Cano - College of Liberal and Fine Arts
Outstanding Professor
- Dr. Coralia Vazquez-Otero - College of Health, Community and Policy
- Dr. Tansu Demir - College of Health, Community and Policy
Outstanding Undergraduate and Graduate Students by College
The Outstanding College Awards are awarded by the individual colleges to a singular undergraduate and graduate student who shows exemplary academic excellence and service to their college.
Outstanding Undergraduate - Alvarez College of Business: Russel Ogbor
Outstanding Graduate - Alvarez College of Business: Abiola Chidi Afam
Outstanding Undergraduate - College of Education and Human Development: Rosalinda Blanco
Outstanding Graduate - College of Education and Human Development: Javail Trice
Outstanding Undergraduate - Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design: Austin Dominguez
Outstanding Graduate - Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design: Angelina Andrade
Outstanding Undergraduate - College of Liberal and Fine Arts: Harmony Skinner
Outstanding Graduate - College of Liberal and Fine Arts: Alexandra Sheldon
Outstanding Undergraduate - College of Health, Community and Policy: Michael Pozos
Outstanding Graduate - College of Health, Community and Policy: Leslie Carrillo
Outstanding Undergraduate - College of Sciences: Alyssa Kornegay
Outstanding Graduate - College of Sciences: Jared Head
Outstanding Undergraduate - University College: Alexander Caldwell
Outstanding Graduate - University College: Ricky Solis
Outstanding Undergraduate - College of AI, Cyber and Computing: Richard Lujan
Outstanding Graduate - College of AI, Cyber and Computing: Keeban Villarreal
