Annual Student Leadership Gala

A group of students pose with their award.

Each year, Student Involvement, Associated Students, the Solidarity Network (Associated Students César E. Chávez Community Action Center, Black Leadership and Opportunity Center, Center for Asian Pacific Islander Student Empowerment, Chicanx/Latinx Student Success Center, Gender Equity Center, MOSAIC Cross Cultural Center, Native American/Indigenous Student Success Center, PRIDE Center, UndocuSpartan Resource Center, Wellness and Health Promotion), and Student Union, Inc. come together to celebrate student leadership on a campus-wide scale.

The 13th Annual Student Leadership Gala will be held on May 7, 2024 in the Student Union Ballroom. Photos from the 12th Annual Student Leadership Gala  May 2, 2023 can be found here!

Past Award Recipients

Congratulations to our 2023 Award Winners! You can view a list of nominees and recipients for each of the awards given at the 12th Annual Student Leadership Gala below. The categories are in the following order:

  1. Vice President for Student Affairs Award for Exmplary Leadership and Service
  2. Solidarity Network Recognition
  3. A.S. 55 Award
  4. Associated Students Board of Directors Recognition
  5. Student Union Board of Directors Recognition
  6. Student Organization Awrads
    • Program Awards
    • Operations Awards
    • Individual Awards
    • Best in Category Awards
    • Fraternity and Sorority Awards
  7. Leadership and Career Certificate Program Recognition

Vice President for Student Affairs Award for Exemplary Leadership and Service

This honor is awarded to an SJSU student who has displayed exemplary leadership skills throughout their SJSU career. Recipient must be a currently enrolled student with junior or senior class standing, minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00, and a minimum of two years of leadership engagement.


Solidarity Network Recogntion

The Solidarity Network is a coalition of various centers and campus partners within SJSU Student Affairs that fosters student leadership through their identities and a social justice foundation. The students recognized during this event have consistently contributed to these Centers by going above and beyond in their leadership and advocacy.


A.S. 55 Awards

The A.S. 55 Award is a recognition of distinction for student leaders who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to San José State University and who continually give back to the community. Up to 12 students will be chosen by the A.S. 55 Selection Committee to receive the award each year.


A.S. Board of Directors Reccognition

The Associated Students Board of Directors is the official body representing and the voice of over 35,000 students at SJSU - they champion for students and actively work to make sure every Spartan gets the most out of their college experience.


Student Union Board of Directors Recognition

There are 14 members of the Student Union Board of Directors, with nine of those members being student director positions. These students are charged with managing three buildings on campus: The Diaz Compean Student Union, the Provident Credit Union Event Center, and Spartan Recreation and Aquatic Center in addition to supporting Student Union events and programs. 


Student Organization Program Awards

Each year, peers and advisors are invited to nominate organizations for specific awards, which are categorized into the following areas: Program Awards, Operations Awards, Individual Awards, Best in Category Awards, and Fraternity and Sorority Awards. 

Outstanding Educational Program

Outstanding Engagement Program

Outstanding Service Program

Program of the Year


Student Organization Operations Awards 

Contribution to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Executive Board of the Year

Collaboration of the Year

Marketing of the Year

Developing Leaders Award

Excellence in Fundraising


Student Organization Individual Awards

Advisor of the Year

Member of the Year

President of the Year


Student Organization Best in Category Awards

New Organization of the Year

Academic/Honorary Organization of the Year

Cultural/Religious Organization of the Year

Special Interest Organization of the Year

Club Sport of the Year

Student Organization of the Year


Fraternity and Sorority Awards

Fraternity of the Year

Sorority of the Year


Leadership and Career Certificate Program Recognition

This program is a semester-long experience that engages students in a variety of critical concepts, professional development resources, and many opportunities for further exploration. By reflecting on the connections between their experiences and the content they are learning, these students have demonstrated their impressive ability and willingness to take charge of their own leadership journeys.