.Purdue Student Life Impact Awards
The Purdue Student Life Impact Awards recognize alumni, mentors, staff members, and friends whose leadership, service, mentorship and accomplishments have made a meaningful impact on Purdue students, Student Life and the communities they serve.
These awards celebrate individuals whose contributions support Purdue Student Life's focus areas of Well-Being, Leadership & Engagement, Arts & Culture, and Community & Connection while helping students connect, engage, lead and flourish.
Awards Selection Guide
See below for information on the Student Life Impact Awards and criteria.
Student Life Service Award
Recognizes Purdue graduates who have demonstrated exceptional service and community impact through volunteerism, civic engagement and contributions that improve the lives of others.
Strong nominations highlight:
- Community impact
- Volunteerism and civic engagement
- Service to others
- Leadership in service organizations
- Continued engagement with Purdue
Student Life Exceptional Staff Award
Recognizes current Student Life staff members who provide exceptional support to students and make significant contributions to helping Boilermakers flourish. University partners could be considered. Recipients are selected by a student review committee.
Strong nominations highlight:
- Student support
- Contributions to Student Life
- Professionalism
- Leadership and service
- Positive impact on the student experience
Student Life Award for Outstanding Leadership
Recognizes Purdue graduates who have achieved significant professional success and demonstrated exceptional leadership within their profession, organization or community.
Strong nominations highlight:
- Professional achievement
- Leadership and innovation
- Career accomplishments
- Professional recognition
- Engagement with Purdue
Bob L. and Joyce Beery Miles Student Life Mentor Award
Recognizes individuals who have made a lasting impact through mentoring, supporting and developing students. Both Purdue graduates and non-graduates are eligible for this award.
Strong nominations highlight:
- Mentorship and student development
- Student support and advocacy
- Personal and professional guidance
- Leadership through service
- Positive influence on student success
Student Life Young Alumni Award
Recognizes Purdue graduates age 35 or younger who have demonstrated outstanding career development, leadership and professional achievement early in their careers.
Strong nominations highlight:
- Early-career achievement
- Leadership potential
- Professional growth
- Community involvement
- Continued engagement with Purdue
What makes a Strong Nomination?
The strongest nominations:
- Provide specific examples rather than general statements.
- Demonstrate impact on students, organizations or communities.
- Highlight leadership, service, mentorship or professional accomplishments.
- Explain the nominee's connection to Purdue University and Student Life.
- Include meaningful outcomes, achievements and contributions.
- Clearly demonstrate why the nominee deserves recognition.
Incomplete nominations will not be considered
Before you Submit
Successful nomination includes:
- Complete Impact Awards Online Submission Form
- A nomination narrative describing why the individual should receive the selected award
- Information about the nominee's connection to Purdue University and/or Student Life
- A Linkedin profile or career summary, if applicable
A resume or DV is not required
Eligibility
- Nominees for the Student Life Service Award, Student Life Award for Outstanding Leadership and Student Life Young Alumni Award must be Purdue graduates.
- the Bob L. and Joyce Beery Miles Student Life Mentor Award is open to both Purdue graduates and non-graduates
- the Student Life Exceptional Staff Award is limited to current Student Life staff members. Individuals who work closely in partnership with student life may also be considered.
- Joint nominations are welcome. If a couple is nominated for any award, at least one individual must be a Purdue graduate.
- If a nominee's accomplishments align with multiple awards the review committees may recommend consideration under a different award category if another award is determined to be a stronger fit.
Deadline
Nominations for the 2027 Purdue Student Life Impact Awards are due January 8, 2027 at midnight, EST.
Award nominations should be submitted via the Impact Awards Online Submission Form.
Questions may be directed to Melissa Evens at mevens@purdue.edu. Thank you for helping Purdue Student Life recognize individuals whose leadership, service, mentorship, and accomplishments strengthen the Purdue community and create meaningful opportunities for students to connect, engage, lead and flourish.