The Ollies, a newly-established, student-run award program, will present its inaugural awards on May 1. It celebrates important contributions to the Brandeis community by student leaders, faculty,u staff, clubs and events.

Anyone can put forth nominations, but winners are chosen by the Ollies Awards Selection Committee. This committee consists of seven undergraduate students from various clubs — including “academic, spiritual, sports and fitness, media and publications, political and advocacy” groups according to the Ollies website. Director of Student Activities Dennis Hicks and Student Activities Specialist Robbie Steinberg will also serve on the committee. 

The RISE UP Award recognizes undergraduate students “who have demonstrated the principle of RISE — Reflect. Intervene. Speak. Engage,” as well as a commitment to fostering a community that cherishes “diversity and inclusion,” according to the award description.

The Volunteer Service Award acknowledges undergraduate students who exemplify “extraordinary commitment” to serving the greater community beyond Brandeis during the past academic year. Students must be nominated by members of the University or the broader community, according to the award description. During the decision process, the Award Selection Committee will account for both the “breadth and depth” of nominees’ services and engagement in the greater community.

The Outstanding Leadership Award credited the “exemplary contributions” of graduating student leaders through their engagement with “a range of campus organizations” and their co-curriculars, according to the award description. 

Similar to the Outstanding Leadership Award, the Campus Life + Leadership award celebrates the “exceptional and unique” contributions of non-graduating student leaders. 

The Unsung Hero Award acknowledges undergraduate students who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes and have impacted the Brandeis community with “inextinguishable positivity” and have also demonstrated “a willingness” to help in their best capacity, despite not serving in an executive leadership position in their campus organizations, per the award description.

The Outstanding Faculty and Staff award honors faculty and staff who have made positive influences on student organizations and who have contributed “exceptional[ly] and unique[ly]” to the Brandeis community. 

The Club of the Year award will commend an organization that has demonstrated “consistent flexibility, initiative, creativity, and perseverance through their activities and programs,” according to the award description. 

Event of the Year is awarded to undergraduate organizations that have spearheaded events integral to “leadership development, collaboration among groups, and programmatic efforts” to create spirited and quality campus life at Brandeis. The events have to be coordinated during the 2018-2019 academic year, and the organizations do not have to be recognized by the Student Union. Members are welcome to nominate their own events. 

Nominations can be made through Google Forms on the website and run until April 10. The winners will be notified on April 17 and will receive their awards during a ceremony, which will take place in the Shapiro Campus Center Theater and atrium at 7 p.m. on May 1. There will be student performances, with free refreshments and mocktails provided.