Student Experience Excellence Awards

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Honoring Excellence in Action

The Student Experience Excellence Awards (formerly the Graduating Student Awards) recognize RPI students who have made exceptional contributions to our community through academic achievement, athletic accomplishment, leadership, service, and/or volunteerism. We invite students, staff, and faculty to nominate individuals who exemplify excellence and have made a meaningful impact on our campus.

The submission deadline for nominations is March 27, 2026.

Awards

This award is given to an engineering student of high scholastic ability, who has demonstrated leadership potential.

The Frederick M. Nussbaum Class of 1930 Memorial Award for Outstanding Volunteerism is granted to an outstanding senior Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) student in recognition of their volunteer activities at Rensselaer and civic involvement in bettering the community in and around Rensselaer performed during their junior year.

The Leopold L. Balleisen Prize was established by Donald H. Balleisen in memory of his father, a graduate of the Class of 1918, in 1976. It is presented to a senior who has won a varsity letter in at least one sport during two of his or her undergraduate years and of those thus qualified, stands highest academically in his or her class.

Established by Clay P. Bedford, the prize is given in memory of Livingston Waddell Houston, 11th president of Rensselaer. It is awarded to a student who, in the opinion of a committee is considered the "First Citizen of the College." The recipient must rank high in character, leadership, scholarship, and athletic ability. Should no student qualify for the prize in any one year, the funds available for the prize may be used for related purposes as determined by the Board of Trustees.

The award recognizes the leadership and academic merit of underrepresented graduate or undergraduate students enrolled at Rensselaer. This award is given to one Black, Latinx, Native American (or multi-racial) graduating senior and one continuing student who has exhibited service and leadership to the Institute and their community while maintaining outstanding academic performance.

Established by Rensselaer Professor Bimal K. Malaviya and his siblings in honor of their parents, the award recognizes a graduating student who best exemplifies sustained excellence and selflessness in the service to others during their academic career.

Established in 1981 by the Rensselaer Union, the award is in honor of William P. (Willie) Stanton, Class of 1972 (hon.), a dishwasher and cook who served the academic and social needs of Rensselaer students for over 45 years. His support of Rensselaer athletics and activities earned him the nickname "Mr. RPI." Willie was a person who was always there to help anyone who needed a kind word, or a small favor, and he did so in a quiet, unassuming manner. This award is presented annually to the senior who is judged to have contributed the most in service to the student body, in much the same way.

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