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Dean of Students

Dean of Students

UCR students of various ethnicities, genders and backgrounds walk together across the UCR campus.

Celebrating UCR’s Outstanding Students

The AVC/Dean of Students coordinates the selection and recognition of outstanding seniors for the annual Graduating Senior Awards and Student Affairs Awards ceremonies. These events provide opportunities to recognize the extraordinary contributions of students to the division of Student Affairs throughout their time at UCR.

Students awards

Graduating Senior Awards

Each year the office of the AVC/Dean of Students coordinates the selection and recognition of outstanding seniors for the Loda Mae Davis Graduating Senior Award, recognize extraordinary accomplishments and contributions by students both in and out of the classroom.

 

The Loda Mae Davis Graduating Senior Award

Applications are now being accepted for the 2025-2026 Loda Mae Davis Graduating Senior Award!

Please share the information with your graduating seniors and encourage them to apply.  Award applications are due by Friday, April 24th, with recipients receiving their awards at the upcoming Student Affairs Award Ceremony (SAAmmys) on May 14th. 

CELEBRATING UCR’S OUTSTANDING STUDENTS

Each year, the office of the AVC/Dean of Students coordinates the selection and recognition of outstanding seniors. The Loda Mae Davis Graduating Senior Award recognizes extraordinary accomplishments and contributions by students both in and out of the classroom.

The Loda Mae Davis Graduating Senior Award is presented annually at the Student Affairs End of the Year Student Celebration (SAMMYs) to honor a graduating University of California, Riverside student who has demonstrated outstanding participation in campus life and leadership in student organizations, reflecting high standards of achievement both in and out of the classroom.

Established in 1964 by the Prytanean Society in memory of UCR’s first Dean of Women, this award carries on the tradition of recognizing exceptional student contributions to the Highlander community. Recipients are celebrated for leadership, involvement, and the positive impact they have had across campus.

The award commemorates the legacy of Loda Mae Davis, a cherished educator, mentor, and dean at UCR who inspired generations of students with her confidence, curiosity, and global perspective.

Davis joined UCR in 1953 and later served as Assistant Professor of Psychology, shaping campus life and advocating for student success throughout her career. Beyond the award, her dedication to students' lives on through the Dean Emerita Loda Mae Davis Endowed Scholarship Fund, established during her lifetime and fully endowed through her estate, which has supported undergraduate students with high academic achievement and financial need for decades.

  • This award is open to all graduating seniors. To be eligible, nominees must have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher, underscoring the value placed on academic success alongside service and leadership. 
  • The selected student receives a $500 award in recognition of their achievements and impact. The full amount of the award is contingent on whether financial aid has been fully utilized.

Deadline to Submit: Friday April 24th, 2026, at Midnight

SUBMIT AWARD APPLICATION HERE

Student Affairs Awards

The Office of the AVC/Dean of Students also organizes the Annual Student Affairs Awards Ceremony, which recognizes UCR students for their meaningful contributions to the Division of Student Affairs, the university, and the broader student community. Each year, more than 130 students are honored for their work across a wide range of Student Affairs departments and affiliated student organizations, including financial aid, housing, career services, and student resource centers.
You Belong at UCR

All programs, services, and events offered through Student Affairs are open to everyone, consistent with federal and state law and the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. Whether you’re seeking support, joining a community, or participating in campus life, every effort is made to ensure your experience is inclusive, respectful, and accessible, regardless of background or identity.

To learn more, visit the UC Nondiscrimination Statement or the Nondiscrimination Policy Statement for University of California Publications Regarding Student-Related Matters.