The Luminary Award was created to acknowledge faculty and staff who have helped light the path to success for our MSU graduate students. These individuals have made a significant impact on the academic journey of graduate students and shown themselves to be a great partner of the Graduate School in their efforts to recruit, admit, and retain students. This award is intended to honor those who have gone above and beyond to provide exceptional support, guidance, and encouragement during the graduate school experience.
Make sure your nomination fits the description below.
Ready to submit? Place your nomination here.
Who can be nominated?
Nominees for this award may exude a variety of qualities that in some way have made a difference in the lives of others.
- The ideal nominee for the Luminary Award is a beacon of warmth and inclusivity, someone who welcomes students into their sphere and makes them feel valued within the academic community. This individual is characterized by their thoughtfulness and attentiveness, always taking the time to listen to students' concerns, challenges, and aspirations. They are generous with their time, energy, and expertise, investing in their students and or colleagues to make others feel understood and supported.
- Another quality of Luminary Award nominees is their understanding of the graduate student journey. They recognize the unique pressures, uncertainties, and demands that graduate students face, and they respond with empathy and consideration while fostering an environment where self-assurance and growth can flourish.
- Mentoring is a hallmark of the Luminary Award nominee's approach. They not only provide academic guidance but also serve as role models for how to navigate the complexities of academia and life beyond. Their mentorship extends beyond coursework, encompassing career development, personal growth, and holistic well-being.
- Above all, the Luminary Award nominee is an encourager. They inspire students to push beyond their comfort zones, embrace challenges, and reach for their loftiest goals. Their encouragement isn't limited to academic achievements; they celebrate personal milestones and triumphs as well, recognizing that a fulfilling graduate experience involves more than just scholarly pursuits.
In summary, the Luminary Award nominee embodies the essence of a true mentor and supporter. They create an environment where graduate students feel not only academically empowered but also emotionally validated. Their qualities of welcoming, thoughtfulness, active listening, time generosity, understanding, encouragement, and effective mentorship make them the epitome of what the Luminary Award seeks to honor.
*Nominators will be kept confidential. Nominations are due by the 20th of each month.