The Diamond Award is the highest recognition by Student Affairs given to a Temple University undergraduate student.  This recognition is based on a holistic evaluation of the student’s accomplishments and is reserved for those who have demonstrated superior leadership, academic achievement, service to the University, and impact on a community (local, regional, or global).  Through their leadership, it is clear that they are especially deserving of this unique honor.  Award recipients are recognized at the Annual Diamond Award Ceremony. Students may apply directly or faculty and staff may nominate students.

• Applicants must be classified as junior (60-89 credit hours) or senior (90+ credit hours) status.

• Applicants must have been enrolled at Temple for at least one academic year.

• Applicants graduating during the term of application must be enrolled for at least the number of hours required for graduation.

• Applicants must be free of University disciplinary sanctions.

• Undergraduate applicants must have a minimum cumulative 3.00 GPA.

Please note that there are no letters of recommendation required to apply. Applicants will be asked to supply a reference who is familiar with their accomplishments. References will be contacted for Diamond Award recipients and invited to the Diamond Awards Ceremony.

Diamond Award applications will be due by March 7, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

Please direct any questions about the process to the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs at vpsa@temple.edu. 

We want to ensure that all students are able to fully participate in this selection process. If you have any concerns or require accommodations, please contact Student Affairs at [click-for-email].

HISTORY

Prior to 2006, the Diamond Awards Ceremony celebrated students who received awards from the Office of Student Activities.  These awards were reserved primarily for student organization leaders. In order to reach a larger population of the student body the Division of Student Affairs revised the awards program in 2006 to celebrate undergraduate students, University-wide, who received significant awards.  The awards that were recognized at the Ceremony were selected by a committee of administrators.  Previous award recipients included a Marshall Scholar recipient, Male and Female Athlete of the Year and the Student Leader of the Year Award.

In the fall of 2007, the Diamond Awards selection process was revised again to allow the Division of Student Affairs to celebrate the student’s overall Temple experience.  This new process allows all students to apply for a Diamond Award.  The new criteria enable the selection committee to recognize students for a combination of academic excellence, leadership, service to the University community and positive impact on the University community.