The Aaron O. Hoff Awards
In 1832, Hoff blew the horn that summoned Lafayette’s first 43 students and three teachers to class. As a member of the Class of 1836, Hoff was the College’s first African American student. Learn more about Aaron O. Hoff.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
May 1, 2024 from 4:15-5:30 pm
R.S.V.P. to Attend or Nominate!
Each spring, since 1991, the Division of Student Life remembers Aaron O. Hoff, his strength of character, and his honorable endeavors to build community with an awards ceremony. The awards highlight the achievements of Lafayette students, employees, and student organizations for their inspiration, contributions, dedication, and leadership to the Lafayette Community. Review our 2023 award recipients.
Review the list of past recipients.
A committee selects recipients from nominations collected from the student body and College employees. About nominee screening. Nominations are accepted through Monday, April 8th at 11:59 PM. Submit a nomination now!
Select from the following award categories:
Individual Awards
The 1974 Award
This award recognizes the student who most exemplifies the groundbreaking spirit of the first class of women to graduate from Lafayette College by working toward equality for women on campus.
Robert I. Weiner Interfaith Award
This award recognizes the student who contributed most significantly to interfaith work by promoting constructive dialogue between religious and intercultural groups on campus.
Frances Ocansey-Ahene Spirit of Multiculturalism Award
This award recognizes an upper-level student whose commitment to academic excellence and inclusive leadership within the community transcends all barriers and exemplifies the ethos of multiculturalism at Lafayette College.
Mattachine Award
This award recognizes the student who most exemplifies the courage of the Mattachine Society, the nation’s first LGBTQ rights organization, in working tirelessly to advance LGBTQ rights at Lafayette College.
Unsung Hero(s) Award
This award honors a student who works without regard for personal reward, who has demonstrated concern for and dedication to the betterment of their peers within the Lafayette community. This student’s attitude, behaviors, or skills reflect one or more of Lafayette’s espoused values (e.g., active citizenship, diversity and inclusion, health and wellness, sustainability, and/or community building).
Emerging Leader(s) Award (no self-nominations)
This award recognizes students who demonstrate considerable leadership potential and have made an impressive transition from exploring to taking the lead towards meaningful change. Decisions about why or how to change were based on an evidence-based need. The recipient displays consciousness of self, commitment and values congruence.
Marquis Award (no self-nominations)
This award recognizes exemplary leadership by a particular student. The recipient has influenced the behaviors, actions or opinions of others toward a common goal or purpose. Progress towards (or accomplishment of) their goal resulted in the betterment of students, the College, and/or the surrounding community. Decisions about determining their goals or direction were evidence-based. The recipient models collaboration, handles controversy with civility, and places value on a common purpose.
Organization Awards
Student Organization of the Year – Serving Their Membership
This award recognizes a student organization that demonstrated excellence throughout the year as indicated by their programming, membership, and/or organization management. Along with fostering personal well-being, coordinated efforts, and accountability in its members, the organization had an intentional focus towards reaching new heights as an organization.
Student Organization of the Year – Serving Beyond Their Membership
This award recognizes a student organization that demonstrated excellence throughout the year as indicated by their programming, membership, and/or organization management. Along with fostering personal well-being and accountability in its members, the organization has an intentional focus towards creating opportunities to impact people and causes beyond their own members.
Educator Awards (Administrators and Staff)
Administrator of the Year (nominations from students only)
This award recognizes a Lafayette administrator who has demonstrated dedication, availability, and energy in their involvement with students. They should be valued and respected by the students with whom they work and have a strong understanding of students’ needs and goals. They should have a strong educational role, produced meaningful change and helped students learn through their involvement.
Staff Member of the Year (nominations from students only)
This award recognizes a staff member who has served the Lafayette community has gone above and beyond his/her responsibilities, has been courteous and engaging with students, and has improved the quality of campus life (all hourly employees of the college such as administrative assistance, food service staff, facility operations employees, etc. would fall into this category).
Program Awards
Program of the Year
This award will be given to a student organization or group of students who planned and implemented a program that positively impacted the campus culture. Large or small scale this program was creative, original and will be evaluated based on how well it fulfilled its purpose.