CMU graduates celebrate at Commencement in May 2025.
Senior Leadership Recognition
Senior Leadership Recognition honors graduating seniors who have made a significant impact on our community and provides an opportunity for these outstanding students to reflect on their leadership at Carnegie Mellon and apply the lessons learned to their future goals and aspirations.
Eligibility
- SLR recognizes seniors graduating in December 2025, May 2026 or August 2026.
- Faculty and staff are invited to nominate graduating seniors who have made significant contributions during their tenure at Carnegie Mellon University. Graduating seniors who have not received a nomination are still eligible to apply for the award.
- Applicants for the award are asked to submit an application, provide evidence in support of their leadership, and meet with a faculty, advisor, staff member (e.g. student affairs staff, housefellows), or community engagement partner to discuss their student leadership experience, their impact on campus or in the community, and the relationship between their leadership experience and their future goals and aspirations.
- Detailed information about the application and selection process will be provided to graduating seniors in December.
- The Dean of Students oversees a conduct review of all nominated students and applicants; students with any conduct records will have an opportunity to discuss that history with a Student Affairs representative.
For more information about SLR, contact Justin Pearl via email or at 412-268-8704.
The staff and faculty nomination form is open now!
The student application will open in December 2025.
SLR Recipients
Recognition Review & Ceremony
Review of applicant packets occurs in the spring semester by staff and faculty across the university. Final recipients will be invited to an in-person event on the Friday of Commencement weekend.
May 8, 2026
4 pm (doors open), 4:30 pm (ceremony)
Wiegand Gymnasium, Cohon University Center
Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be served
SLR Areas of Impact
Each recipient of this recognition has created a unique imprint on the culture and life of CMU through their contributions to student leadership, community engagement, the arts, athletics, academics, and/or research.
Academics & Research
Students display unparalleled leadership by demonstrating superior aptitude in their academic field of study while advancing research and making unique contributions to the intellectual life of the campus community. Through their work, research, and initiatives, they drive progress and solutions to problems. These students may engage in focused, individualized work on a sustained independent project; enhance the community’s commitment to academic excellence; utilize creative and novel methods for leading and supporting their fellow students in their academic pursuits; or demonstrate superior initiative in applying knowledge in the community.
Arts
Students display unparalleled leadership by utilizing their artistic talents and inquiry as a means of self-exploration or as a community catalyst. The contributions of the student have served to enhance opportunities for artistic development and appreciation within the Carnegie Mellon community. Students may also utilize their artistic talents to promote community development, reflect diversity towards encouraging inclusion, and facilitate conversations surrounding societal issues.
Athletics
Students display unparalleled leadership by playing a significant role in athletic life through participation on campus athletic teams, sustained involvement in intramural activities or club sports, or commitment to advancing appreciation for the Carnegie Mellon athletic community. They embrace the role of being a scholar athlete and exhibit leadership, teamwork and sportsmanship both on and off the field through understanding of self and consistent demonstration of their values. These students actively seek opportunities to help teammates learn, grow and develop as individuals.
Community Engagement
Students display unparalleled leadership as they leverage their individual skills through volunteer and/or philanthropic initiatives to positively impact the CMU, Pittsburgh, and/or global community. These outstanding students exemplify a commitment to the sustainability of their efforts and an understanding of the needs of the community.
Community Development
Students display unparalleled leadership via active engagement in campus organizations and broad-based campus improvement initiatives. These students contribute to the metacurricular experience at Carnegie Mellon through sustained community-oriented activity in clubs and student organizations, residential house communities, fraternities and sororities, advisory councils, student government, or other student leadership roles. These students devote a substantial amount of effort in support of others, actively seeking opportunities to help others learn, grow and develop as individuals in areas related to wellness, diversity, spirituality and social responsibility. Students may also utilize their individual leadership skills to foster a more diverse and inclusive community at Carnegie Mellon.