Ex.C.E.L. Award

Excellence in Community, Education, and Leadership

Presented annually during Homecoming, the Excellence in Community, Education & Leadership (Ex.C.E.L.) Award was established by KU Alumni, Student Engagement Center, and KU Memorial Unions to celebrate student leaders who make a meaningful impact on campus through their service and engagement.

 

This award recognizes two outstanding KU students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, strong communication skills, active involvement in the KU community, academic achievement, and the ability to collaborate effectively across a wide variety of student groups and organizations.

 

Five applicants will be selected as finalists and recognized throughout the week of Homecoming. Two winners will be awarded a $250 stipend, an award plaque, and be announced during the Homecoming Football Game.

Application

The Ex.C.E.L. Award is presented by:

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

  • Must be a full-time junior or senior enrolled at the University of Kansas.
  • Must fully complete the online application; incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • Past Ex.C.E.L. Award recipients are not eligible to apply.

Application Process

Students interested in applying for the award must submit:

  • A completed online application
  • Resume or CV
  • An unofficial transcript
  • Personal Statement discussing your qualifications for this award based on your KU experiences.
  • Contact information for one reference
    • The reference individual will receive a short survey to complete, and must be a KU faculty, staff, administrator, or representative of a community service agency.

Timeline

  • Online application opens: Monday, Sept. 1 at 8 a.m.
  • Online application closes: Friday Sept. 26 at 11:59 p.m.
  • Virtual interviews: Monday, Oct. 6 – Friday, Oct. 17
  • Finalist notifications: Tuesday, Oct. 21 by 5 p.m.
  • If able, finalists will be asked to attend the following events:
    • Homecoming Awards Banquet | Wednesday, Oct. 29, Jayhawk Welcome Center
    • Homecoming Football Game | Saturday, Nov. 1, David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium

Questions

Please contact Ryan Edmonds at ryan.edmonds@kualumni.org.

Application

Please complete the application below and upload the required materials.

Name(Required)
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Address(Required)
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References will be contacted via email to complete a short survey. No reference letter will be required.

Application Acknowledgement
By typing your name in the signature line below, you hereby certify that:

1. The information provided on this application is accurate and I understand that an incomplete application may result in my being declared ineligible for this award.

2. I understand that award recipients are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress and high standards of conduct.

3. I understand that I am expected to be enrolled as a full-time student during the current academic year.

4. I understand that I am expected to participate in Homecoming activities if selected as a finalist and/or the award winner.

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