2026
The annual Aztec Achievement Awards recognize excellence in the numerous contributions students, faculty, staff, and community members make to San Diego State University.
Join Associated Students by nominating someone or applying for one of the 19 Aztec Achievement Awards today!
Nominations will open soon!
Below is a listing of all available awards. Click on each link for the award description.
Awards for Undergraduate Students
Aztec Pride Award
Presented to an SDSU student who has contributed to fostering pride and tradition on campus through areas such as academics, athletics, student organizations, community service or other meaningful forms of involvement.
Commission, Board or Committee Member of the Year Award
Presented to one A.S. commission, board or committee (BCC) voting member nominated by another member of the BCC. The nominee must not be the chair or A.S. Representative.
Daniel B. Nowak Outstanding Student Service Award
Presented annually to one student who has contributed outstanding effort, time and achievements in furthering the interests of the student body and San Diego State University.
Daniel P. Goodrich Award
Presented to a graduating senior who has served San Diego State University and the student body in a wide variety of capacities, such as student government, student organizations and community service, throughout their SDSU career.
Dean Carole Robasciotti Outstanding Community Service-Learning Award
Presented to an SDSU faculty/staff member, SDSU auxiliary organization staff member, student, community member or community organization that has enhanced student learning and civic responsibility for a minimum of one year.
Dean Herbert Peiffer and Dean Margery Wamer Awards
Presented to two students who have completed 90 or more academic units and have demonstrated outstanding leadership and motivation at San Diego State University, particularly within the past year, and show strong potential to bring outstanding honor to the University.
Heart-Led Leader Award
Presented annually to one student and one faculty/staff member who exemplify heart-led leadership through authenticity, empathy, vulnerability, humility and a genuine passion for serving others.
J. Luke Wood DEI Award
Presented to one current student or faculty/staff member who has made a significant impact in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion at San Diego State University for a minimum of one year.
Shuford C. Swift Most Outstanding First-Year Student Award
Presented to a first-year student who has made significant contributions to the University and demonstrated a strong commitment to Associated Students.
Awards for Graduate Students
Aztec Pride Award
Presented to an SDSU student who has contributed to fostering pride and tradition on campus through areas such as academics, athletics, student organizations, community service or other meaningful forms of involvement.
Commission, Board or Committee Member of the Year Award
Presented to one A.S. commission, board or committee (BCC) voting member nominated by another member of the BCC. The nominee must not be the chair or A.S. Representative.
Daniel B. Nowak Outstanding Student Service Award
Presented annually to one student who has contributed outstanding effort, time and achievements in furthering the interests of the student body and San Diego State University.
Dean Carole Robasciotti Outstanding Community Service-Learning Award
Presented to an SDSU faculty/staff member, SDSU auxiliary organization staff member, student, community member or community organization that has enhanced student learning and civic responsibility for a minimum of one year.
Heart-Led Leader Award
Presented annually to one student and one faculty/staff member who exemplify heart-led leadership through authenticity, empathy, vulnerability, humility and a genuine passion for serving others.
J. Luke Wood DEI Award
Presented to one current student or faculty/staff member who has made a significant impact in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion at San Diego State University for a minimum of one year.
Outstanding Graduate Student Service Award
Presented to a graduate student who has contributed outstanding effort, dedication and achievements in furthering the interests of the student body and San Diego State University beyond the scope of their graduate program.
Awards for Faculty
Dan R. Cornthwaite Luminary Award for Outstanding Advising
Presented to an advisor of an SDSU recognized student organization or an A.S. board, committee or commission (including college councils) who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, guidance and service in furthering the goals and interests of the students they advise.
Dean Carole Robasciotti Outstanding Community Service-Learning Award
Presented to an SDSU faculty/staff member, SDSU auxiliary organization staff member, student, community member or community organization that has enhanced student learning and civic responsibility for a minimum of one year.
Heart-Led Leader Award
Presented annually to one student and one faculty/staff member who exemplify heart-led leadership through authenticity, empathy, vulnerability, humility and a genuine passion for serving others.
J. Luke Wood DEI Award
Presented to one current student or faculty/staff member who has made a significant impact in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion at San Diego State University for a minimum of one year.
Malcolm A. Love Award
Presented to a SDSU faculty member who has made outstanding contributions to Associated Students over a minimum of two years.
Awards for Staff
Dan R. Cornthwaite Luminary Award for Outstanding Advising
Presented to an advisor of an SDSU recognized student organization or an A.S. board, committee or commission (including college councils) who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, guidance and service in furthering the goals and interests of the students they advise.
Dean Carole Robasciotti Outstanding Community Service-Learning Award
Presented to an SDSU faculty/staff member, SDSU auxiliary organization staff member, student, community member or community organization that has enhanced student learning and civic responsibility for a minimum of one year.
Harvey Goodfriend Award
Presented to an outstanding University or SDSU auxiliary organization staff member who has been employed for at least two years and has made significant contributions to Associated Students.
Heart-Led Leader Award
Presented annually to one student and one faculty/staff member who exemplify heart-led leadership through authenticity, empathy, vulnerability, humility and a genuine passion for serving others.
J. Luke Wood DEI Award
Presented to one current student or faculty/staff member who has made a significant impact in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion at San Diego State University for a minimum of one year.
Awards for A.S. Boards, Committees and Commissions and College Councils
Outstanding A.S. Council, Commission, Board or Committee Award
Presented to an A.S. council, commission, board, or committee whose members have demonstrated outstanding achievements and exhibited leadership qualities as a model for other organizations.
Outstanding College Council Award
Presented to a college council whose members have demonstrated outstanding achievements and exhibited leadership qualities as a model for other college councils.
Commission, Board or Committee Member of the Year Award
Presented to one A.S. commission, board or committee (BCC) voting member nominated by another member of the BCC. The nominee must not be the chair or A.S. Representative.
Awards for Recognized Student Organizations
Outstanding Student Organization
Presented to an SDSU recognized student organization that has demonstrated excellence in areas such as programming, community service, service to SDSU, student leadership development or its field of interest, and/or has received national or regional recognition from its parent organization, if applicable.
Awards for Alumni
Dean Carole Robasciotti Outstanding Community Service-Learning Award
Presented to an SDSU faculty/staff member, SDSU auxiliary organization staff member, student, community member or community organization that has enhanced student learning and civic responsibility for a minimum of one year.
Outstanding Alumni Award
Presented to an SDSU alumnus who has made outstanding contributions to the University through their involvement and impact in society.
Awards for Community Member/Organization
Dean Carole Robasciotti Outstanding Community Service-Learning Award
Presented to an SDSU faculty/staff member, SDSU auxiliary organization staff member, student, community member or community organization that has enhanced student learning and civic responsibility for a minimum of one year.
If you have any questions, please email aztecachieveawards@sdsu.edu. Thank you!