»Every Student Is a Leader

Every student who walks through the halls of Chapman University is a leader in their own right and the Campus Leadership Awards recognize outstanding achievement by students throughout the Chapman community.

The Campus Leadership Awards were created by the Dean of Students Office to recognize students' outstanding accomplishments and create a long-standing tradition of celebrating success. We encourage members of our community who are nominating students or determining award winners to consider leadership as a process rather than a position. The Campus Leadership Awards celebrate students who are role models on our campus, regardless of whether or not they hold formal leadership positions.

Campus Leadership Awards
May 9, 2025 at 2:00pm
Fish Interfaith Center

(Click here to view photos from the 2024 ceremony)

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Nominations - Chapman faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to nominate outstanding students for one or more awards. Nominations open and close in February.
Nominees submit supplemental information - All nominees are asked to submit supplemental information such as a photo, resume, and responses to questions pertinent to each award. Supplemental information is due in March.
Award Recipients Selected - Committees will review nominations along with the supplemental information provided to select award recipients.
Award Recipients Announced - Recipients for all awards are announced at the Campus Leadership Awards Ceremony in the Fish Interfaith Center.

Cheverton Award
The Cheverton Award is the oldest and highest undergraduate student honor at Chapman University. Students are not nominated for the Cheverton Award; they are invited to apply by the faculty based on their outstanding academic record. The recipient is selected by a vote of the full Chapman faculty. A gift of the class of 1929, the original bronze Cheverton Award cup remains on exhibit in Argyros Forum along with its successor, a silver bowl. Upon these trophies are engraved the names of all Cheverton awardees since 1929.

Gloria and Julian Peterson Outstanding Leadership Award
The Gloria and Julian Peterson Award is bestowed upon the graduating senior who has given distinguished leadership in their dedication to enriching university life. This student must exemplify leadership as represented in at least three of the four pillars that guide Chapman University: Intellectual, Physical, Social, and Spiritual. Students are not nominated for the Peterson Award; all seniors nominated for a Campus Leadership Award are considered. The recipient is selected by the Dean of Students Office. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and degree conferral by August is required. This is Chapman’s highest senior leadership award.

Ronald M. Huntington Outstanding Scholarship Award
The Ronald M. Huntington Award is bestowed upon the graduating senior judged to have exhibited the most distinguished record of scholarly accomplishments while a student at Chapman University. Evidence of exemplary and meritorious scholarship well beyond normal classroom activities is expected. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5, a nomination from a Chapman faculty member, and degree conferral by May is required.

Paul S. Delp Outstanding Service Award
The Paul S. Delp Award is bestowed upon the graduating senior judged to have made the greatest contribution of public service to the community at large. This award is based upon the student’s entire record of service, addressing any number of economic, environmental, or social issues, during their college career. A substantial commitment to a life of service as evidenced by documented activities that significantly benefit the greater good and serve as models to others is expected. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and degree conferral by August is required.

Outstanding Diversity Leadership Award
The Outstanding Diversity Leadership Award is bestowed upon the graduating senior who has shown exemplary promotion of social justice, multicultural, and diversity and inclusion initiatives at Chapman. This award is based upon the student's accomplishments and efforts over the course of their college career. A strong commitment to diversity, significant contributions to inclusive community building, and evidence of positive impact on the entire University community is expected. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and degree conferral by August is required.

Jerry Price Campus Leadership Award
The Jerry Price Award, endowed by Brad and Kim Cohen, is bestowed upon a student who is a change maker through their leadership. The recipient will be a student who has overcome adversity or has recognized the need for change within the University or surrounding communities, and has shown leadership and initiative to realize that change. Students are not nominated for the Jerry Price Campus Leadership Award; they are invited to apply and are selected by a committee of Chapman staff and faculty. Undergraduate students who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, are involved in a Chapman student organization, are Chapman Grant eligible, and plan to be enrolled in Fall are eligible to apply for the award.

James L. Doti Outstanding Graduate Student Award
The James L. Doti Award is the highest graduate student honor at Chapman University and is bestowed upon a graduating masters and doctoral student with a distinguished record of academic accomplishment, scholarly/creative activity, and/or service. Students are not nominated for the James L. Doti Award; they are selected by the faculty based on their outstanding academic record.

Outstanding Leaders in Each Class Award
The Outstanding Leader Awards are given to the outstanding leaders in each class (first year, sophomore, junior, senior) for their leadership and dedicated service to the quality of life and community at Chapman University. Excellent and distinguished leadership in at least one facet of university life and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 are required. Nominees for the Outstanding Senior Award must have their degree conferred by August.