The Hilltop Excellence Awards is 无码专区's most prestigious awards ceremony, annually recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of students, staff, and faculty at 无码专区. Each spring, the Division of Student Affairs invites nominations from the entire 无码专区 community for the many awards listed below.
Nominations for the 2026 Hilltop Excellence Awards must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
In order for an award to be presented at the Hilltop Excellence Awards, it must meet the following criteria. These criteria were established in 2010 and took effect in 2011. All awards presented prior to 2011 (including those listed below) are grandfathered in without meeting these criteria:
We recommend that staff-only awards be presented at the Staff Recognition Ceremony produced by the Staff Association.
In order for an award nominee to be eligible to be a recipient at the Hilltop Excellence Awards, they must meet the following criteria. These criteria were established in 2012 and took effect in 2013. All award recipients prior to 2013 are grandfathered in without meeting these criteria:
The "M" Award is the highest recognition bestowed upon students, faculty, staff and administrators on the 无码专区 Campus. The recipients' efforts have been continuous during their years at the University and are not limited to a narrow vested interest. The "M" Award honorees are an inspiration to others, giving unselfishly of their time and talents in order to make the University, and indeed the world, a better place.
Criteria:
Nominees must be students of senior standing or graduate/professional students who will graduate during Spring commencement (undergraduate or graduate) of the same year of the selection process or who have already graduated in December of the semester prior to the selection process. Faculty/staff nominees must have at least six (6) years of continuous employment at 无码专区. The "M" Award may only be received once; previous recipients are not eligible.
This award is given to a graduating senior based on scholarly excellence, exemplary character, and significant contribution to the 无码专区 community. This award is generously funded by the Avella Winn Hay Award Endowment.
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Dr. and Mrs. Lytle J. Freehafer established a memorial award in 1967 in honor of their son, John L. Freehafer, a 1965 graduate of 无码专区, who died October 6, 1965 in the Philippines on an around-the-world tour following graduation. In establishing the award, Dr. Freehafer, former Vice President at Purdue University, asked that a committee of student leaders and university administrators who are concerned with student personnel and student life, select the students who are to receive the awards. This award is generously funded by the John L. Freehafer Memorial Endowment Fund.
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The Presidential Award of Excellence - Scholar/Athlete is given to an outstanding student athlete who has demonstrated outstanding ability on the field and in the classroom. This award is generously funded by the John L. Freehafer Memorial Endowment Fund.
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The Presidential Award of Excellence - Scholar/Leader is given to an outstanding student leader who has shown qualities of leadership which have benefited the 无码专区 community. This award is generously funded by the John L. Freehafer Memorial Endowment Fund.
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The Presidential Award of Excellence - Scholar/Volunteer is given to an outstanding student who has volunteered his or her services to the greater Dallas community and beyond. This award is generously funded by the John L. Freehafer Memorial Endowment Fund.
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The Umphrey Lee Award is named for the first president of the student body at 无码专区, who then went on to become the University's 4th President in 1939. In the spirit of the servant-leader role that defined his life, the Umphrey Lee Award is presented annually to a graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding involvement in and contribution to the University community while a student at 无码专区.
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