Nine UF seniors received Outstanding Leadership Awards this semester, earning them on-stage spots during their graduation ceremonies.
Gene Zdziarski, UF's dean of students, said the Alumni Association-sponsored award is UF's highest honor for leadership and service.
"It's really looking at someone who is an overall well-rounded leader and made an impact across the university and campus community," Zdziarski said.
He said each student submitted an application, resume and personal essay.
Letters of recommendation are optional, and most applicants usually send three, he said.
Winners are: Marie Bragg, psychology and English; Jamie Davis, journalism; Sara Hartmann, history; Anu Mathur, finance; Jillian Yoerges, anthropology; Joshua Jackson, political science and classical studies; Ryan Merkel, marketing; Seth Mollitt, finance; and Joshua Weiss, philosophy and political science.
The recipients will sit on the graduation stage, where they will receive a plaque and their families will be recognized, Zdziarski said.
Their pictures and biographies will also appear in the graduation program.
Several of the winners have been involved in the same organizations, such as Florida Cicerones, UF Preview staff, Student Government and social fraternities.
Four students received honorable mentions: Katherine Ball, neurobiology; Sara El-Sherbini, psychology; Dustin McLarty, aerospace engineering; and Kevin Reilly, political science and Student Body president-elect.
