Student Organization Reception & Employer Networking Dinner (SOREND)

1) What awards are available for nomination?

You can submit nominations for any of the three awards, including those recognizing individuals or student organizations:

• Professional Student Leader of the Year
• Professional Student Organization of the Year
• Student Organization Professional Program of the Year

The best poster display winner will be based on the required poster submissions.

2) When are the nominations due?

Nominations are due no later than November 24, 2025, at 8:30 am. No nominations can be accepted after this deadline. 

3) Can I submit more than one nomination?

Yes, you can! 

4) Can I nominate someone for student leader of the year who isn't attending SOREND?

Preferably, the person you nominate will be a member of your delegation attending the event. However, we will make every effort to invite finalists who are not part of your attending group.

5) Can I nominate myself for the Student Leader of the Year?

Unfortunately, self-nominations are not permitted for the Professional Student Leader of the Year award.

6) Who can submit a nomination for an award?

Any current or recent (up to one calendar year) member of the organization can submit a nomination. 

7) What do award winners receive? 

All winners will receive recognition and a monetary award. The funding will be issued after SOREND. 

• Professional Student Leader of the Year ($500 to the winner’s student account)
• Professional Student Organization of the Year ($500 to the organization’s SABO account)
• Student Organization Professional Program of the Year ($1,000 to the organization’s SABO account)

Note: Only organizations with an active SABO account will receive funding.

8) What do I need to do to nominate someone?

Select the award(s) you wish to nominate someone for and complete all the corresponding questions. The nomination form can be found here. 

Description: This award celebrates a student leader who exemplifies the connection between leadership and career readiness. The recipient demonstrates how leadership experiences, collaboration, and networking contribute to personal and peer success in professional development. The winner will embody the mission of SOREND by advancing opportunities for career readiness and fostering relationships that bridge student leadership with the professional world.

If you select to nominate someone for this award, the following questions will appear:

• Your Preferred and Last Name
• Your Email Address
• Your Phone Number
• Your relationship to the Nominee (e.g., current member, recent member)
• Name of the Student Organization
• The nominee's preferred and last name
• The nominee's Academic Year
• The nominee's Major/Program
• Role(s) the Nominee held within the Organization
• The nominee's email address
• Describe how the nominee has demonstrated exceptional leadership within the organization.
• How has the nominee’s leadership positively impacted the organization and its members?
• In what ways has the nominee prepared organization members to succeed professionally or supported their career readiness?
• Why do you believe this nominee deserves to be recognized as the Student Leader of the Year?

Description: This award recognizes a professional student organization that has demonstrated exceptional contributions to the career readiness and success of its members and the broader student community. The winning organization will have shown innovation, collaboration, and impact in promoting professional development, leadership, and partnerships with employers or other stakeholders.
 

If you select to nominate someone for this award, the following questions will appear:

• Your Preferred and Last Name
• Your Email Address
• Your Phone Number
• Your relationship to the Organization (e.g., current member, alumni):
• Name of the Student Organization
• Primary Mission/Focus of the Organization
• Approximate membership size
• Describe how the organization has supported its members' career readiness and professional development. Include specific programs, workshops, or initiatives.
• Provide examples of how the organization has collaborated with employers, alumni, or campus partners to promote professional growth and success.
• What measurable impact has the organization made on its members or the campus community (e.g., successful career connections, internships, event attendance)?
• What steps has the organization taken to ensure the sustainability of its professional development efforts for future members?

Description: This award honors a specific program, initiative, or event hosted by a professional student organization that has significantly contributed to the career readiness and professional development of its members or the broader student community. The winning program will exemplify creativity, impact, and alignment with the mission of fostering career success.

If you select to nominate someone for this award, the following questions will appear:

• Your Preferred and Last name
• Your Email Address
• Your Phone Number
• Your relationship to the Organization (e.g., current member, alumni)
• Name of the Student Organization
• Name of the Program, Initiative, or Event Being Nominated:
• Date(s) of the Program:
• Provide a brief description of the program, including its goals and primary audience.
• What need or opportunity did the program address, and how does it align with career readiness and professional development?
• Describe the program’s structure, including key components such as workshops, speakers, panels, or networking opportunities.
• What was the impact of the program? Include measurable outcomes (e.g., attendance numbers, participant feedback, partnerships formed).
• How did the program demonstrate creativity or innovation in its design or execution?
• How has the program influenced the organization’s future professional development initiatives? Will it be repeated or expanded upon in the future?