So many times in an effort to make everyone feel special, we overlook the need to recognize those among us who go that extra mile, who make it a point to be there for those around them, who frankly make our lives a little brighter and better. The College of Charleston offers a program that tries to encourage cooperation and recognition not only for our students but for faculty, staff and members of the public that provide care and support to the campus community.
The ExCEL Awards has become a tradition at the College. First conceived and presented in 2007, the ExCEL Awards has grown to become one of the premier events on the academic calendar. I first became involved in the awards after attending the ceremony in 2009. I was so impressed with their mission, and with the passion and commitment of those who were leading the way that I felt drawn to be a part of it.
What impresses me most is the openness of the committee in accepting new ideas and welcoming anyone and everyone into the fold. Each year we adjust the awards, creating new ones and expanding the criteria for existing awards so that more of our amazing campus can be nominated.
I hope that this year will see an increase in nominations, especially from the Graduate population here on campus. Here are the categories for which our students, faculty and staff can be nominated:
FOR STUDENTS
Community Impact Award
Description: Publis Service is about serving people and communities. This award goes to a student who has displayed an outstanding dedication in service to people in the community, either locally or abroad. This nominee must have a deep commitment and passion for service.
Criteria: Must be a full time (12 credits, 9 credits for graduate students), currently enrolled student with a declared major and working towards a degree. Although a nominees GPA is not a factor in selection for student of the year, she/he must be in good standing with the College. This student nominee has taken initiative to address a need in a community, and has inspired or encouraged others to do the same. Nominees actions contribute to the enrichment of a community (Locally or Abroad), Nominee should exhibit outstanding leadership, and/or innovative approaches in their civic engagement efforts. Has the ability to expand partnerships amongst communities, individuals and the College campus. Demonstrates an investment in finding solutions for challenging facing communities locallay or abroad; continually support the College’s efforts to enhance diversity and inclusion, and continually strives to make a difference in the lives of others.
The Eddie Ganaway Distinguished Alumni Award
Description: This award was named in honor of the first African American to graduate from the College. Mr. Ganaway was the first African American pioneer who stepped out boldly on this campus to help prepare the way for other minorities to attend and graduate. He made significant contributions to the College both monetarily and through service. He was alum who distinguished himself as leader in his career field. He exemplified the spirit of selfless dedication to public/community service and loyal support of the College.
Criteria: Must have held a baccalaureate or graduate degree from the College for at least three years; demonstrated significant and outstanding contributions to his/her profession or avocation; has maintained a quality association with the College for at least three years; has worked on behalf of the College through service in alumni programs, advisory committees or student recruitment. Continuously works for the betterment of society and the enhancement of diversity at the College.
Outstanding Student Awards
Description: This award recognizes a student for their achievements at the College. The nominee represents the positve attributes of a student leaders, and for their continued contributions to the campus and the broader community.
Outstanding Student of the Year for the School of the Arts
Outstanding Student of the Year for the School of Business
Outstanding Student of the Year for the School of Education, Health, and Human Performance
Outstanding Student of the Year for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Outstanding Student of the Year for the School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs
Outstanding Student of the Year for the School of Sciences and Mathematics
Outstanding Student of the Year for the Graduate School
Criteria: Must be a full time (12 credits or more), currently enrolled student, with a declared major and working toward a degree. Although a nominee’s GPA is not a factor in selection for student of the year, she/he must must be in good standing with the College. A nominee for this award should be thought of as someone who pushes himself or herself to be the best they can be, enhances awareness and appreciation for the differences on the campus, and supports the College’s value of enhancing diversity and global understanding.
FOR FACULTY/STAFF: Diversity Service Award
Description: This award acknowledges and honors the efforts of a student, faculty, or staff member who strive to promote understanding and appreciation of diversity. It also recognizes the contributions of faculty, staff, or students whose service contributes to the development of a more culturally diverse and inclusive College community. This annual award recognizes significant achievements of full time faculty, staff, and students toward developing a more culturally diverse, competent and inclusive university community.
Criteria: Must be a faculty or staff member with at least three (3) years of continuous employment or a junior level full- time student with at least 60 credit hours from the College and must be in good standing with the College.
Strong evidence of significant and consistent contributions to the advancement of diversity relations at the College.
Exemplifies a strong commitment to promoting Diversity, Access, Equity, and Inclusion at the College.
Makes selfless, significant, and consistent contributions to the advancement of diversity relations beyond the College campus
Serves as a strong role model to others on campus in diversity affairs
Exhibits strong commitment to all-inclusive diversity in the areas of any of the following:
Teaching, or research
Creative activity
Mentoring
Advising
Outreach activities
Community relations
Leadership
Outstanding Faculty Awards
Description: This ExCel Award recognizes a professor within their academic school for their excellent work in classrooms, labs and research, but most importantly, their efforts to move the College to preeminent academic standing and their ability to inspire students to achieve.
Outstanding Faculty for the School of the Arts
Outstanding Faculty for the School of Business
Outstanding Faculty for the School of Education, Health, and Human Performance
Outstanding Faculty for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Outstanding Faculty for the School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs
Outstanding Faculty for the School of Sciences and Mathematics
Outstanding Faculty for the Graduate School
Criteria: Must be a full time faculty member with at least three years of employment at the College. The faculty nominee must show extraordinary dedication to teaching; contributions to education in the College, community, and a passion for their profession. The faculty nominee is well respected by their peers and displays a caring nature for their students who are the future members of our global society. Demonstrates a strong commitment to enhancing the values of diversity and inclusion at the College.
Outstanding Staff Awards
Outstanding Staff Member Of The Year
Description: This award publicly recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of a staff member who has made a significant impact within their department or office. Through exceptional job performance, this staff member is able to provide excellent service to students, their colleagues, and others on a consistent basis.
Criteria: Nominees must be permanent and full-time employees at the College for at least three years. Nominations should highlight accomplishments, contributions, and achievements beyond what is expected of them in their position. Some areas of importance to consider a staff member for this award include service to students, the College, their community and are a team player. The nominee supports the continuous work of enhancing diversity and inclusion on campus and the community.
The Unsung Champion Award
Description: The nominee is a considered a dedicated worker whose selfless acts of initiative and commitment often go unnoticed. This nominee has been their office’s or department’s and College’s quiet advocate that continuously works to ensure the success of the organization without visible recognition.
Criteria: All nominees must be permanent and full-time employees at the College for at least three years. The nominee consistently displays dedication, humility, hard work, and/or community service, but also leads by example. The nominee is one who works tirelessly and quietly for their department or office to enhance the work environment for others. The nominee goes above and beyond their job responsibilities to support the mission the College, their department or office. The nominee strongly supports the on-going goal of the College to create an inclusive and welcoming campus environment.
Presidential Legacy Awards ARE OPEN TO STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF
Description: The Presidential Legacy awards are the most purposeful and driving force of the ExCEL Awards Program. Each Presidential Legacy Award honors and acknowledges the exceptional legacy of each of our Presidential Leaders of the College of Charleston.
Leo Higdon Legacy for Outstanding Leadership
Criteria: Nominees can be permanent and full-time employees at the College for at least three years, or currently enrolled-full-time students who are in good standing with the College or community members that has collaborated with any of the six academic schools, departments, or offices at the College for at least two years. This award recognizes a nominee who exemplifies the highest standards of professional, social, and cultural leadership – one who has given freely of time and energy to the promotion of excellence in education. The nominee realizes that leadership skills are life skills and that leadership is a process, not a position. The nominee believes that leaders are developed and not born and commits to engaging and preparing students for leadership roles and their role in society while adhering to the College of Charleston core values: Integrity, Academic Excellence, Liberal Arts Education, and Respect for the individual student, enhancing diversity, and public mission.
Alexander Sanders Legacy for Outstanding Public Service
Criteria: Nominees can be permanent and full-time employees at the College for at least three years, or currently enrolled-full-time students who are in good standing with the College or community members that has collaborated with any of the six academic schools, departments, or offices at the College for at least two years. This award recognizes a nominee who has positively affected the quality of the campus environment or the quality of service delivery to students, colleagues, and/or local community members in the areas of leadership, valuing people, and understanding of the needs of those who are affected by public policies. Nominee should demonstrate excellence in the achievement of results, commitment to social responsibilities, serving the educational needs of the student, faculty, and staff while exemplifying the values, ethics, and priorities of public service.
Theodore Stern Legacy for Visionary Award
Criteria: Nominees can be permanent and full-time employees at the College for at least three years, or currently enrolled-full-time students who are in good standing with the College or community members that has collaborated with any of the six academic schools, departments, or offices at the College for at least two years. This award goes to the nominee leading the charge of his/her department or division. The nominee exemplifies the qualities of a true leader, is a visionary, a pacesetter, a colleague with expertise, and has a continuing commitment to their leadership activities. The nominee understands that changes need to be anticipated and responded to if growth for the campus is going to continue for years to come. According to Ted Stern, a person should “lead by example, have a moral compass, give to others, follow through – don’t leave anything hanging, never demean others, be fair, don’t cheat, and contribute to society.
HARRY LIGHTSEY LEGACY FOR HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Criteria: Nominees can be permanent and full-time employees at the College for at least three years, or currently enrolled-full-time students who are in good standing with the College or community members that has collaborated with any of the six academic schools, departments, or offices at the College for at least two years. This award goes to the nominee leading the charge of his/her department or division. The nominee exemplifies the qualities of a true leader, is a visionary, a pacesetter, a colleague with expertise, and has a continuing commitment to their leadership activities. The nominee understands that changes need to be anticipated and responded to if growth for the campus is going to continue for years to come.
Please Go to the Excel Awards website@ http://www.cofc.edu/excelawards/index.php
I hope that you’ll remember all of those around you who are making your time here at the College of Charleston a special experience, and nominate them for one or more awards. Don’t let them continue to hide their light under a bushel – let it shine!
