Tony Diggs Excellence Awards

In honor of Tony Diggs, former Director of the Student Activities Office, the Tony Diggs Excellence Awards are intended to recognize annual student group achievements. The awards, which take place every March or April, are open to all Campus Life Programs and Registered Student Organizations.

Student groups may be nominated in the following categories:

Congratulations to All 2023-24 Award Recipients

This year, we received 126 Excellence Award nominations in 9 different award categories. The award recipients are listed below. Each category can have an undergraduate and a graduate winner.

Excellence in Academics

This award recognizes student groups that are committed to facilitating academic interactions and student development outside the classroom to support the academic excellence of their members and community.

Undergraduate Award Recipient:

Engineers Without Borders (EWB) - UMN Chapter #1469

"The mission of Engineers Without Borders USA – University of Minnesota is to partner with communities locally and internationally in order to assess and address community-identified unmet needs. We strive to implement engineered projects that prove environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable. At the core of this mission is our commitment to building strong relationships with partner communities and organizations, institutional resources (including UMN and EWB-USA), our student volunteers, and professional mentors. Both as individuals and as a chapter, we are dedicated to continually learning, improving, and adapting."

Graduate Award Recipient:

Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student Association #4620

"The Mechanical Engineering graduate program serves the student currently enrolled by providing resources to students to facilitate progress in grad school activities (course planning, qualifying exam preparation, research resources), addressing the holistic needs of graduate students (mental health, social interaction, cultural assimilation), and building an inclusive and harmonious ME community."

Excellence in Career Readiness

This award recognizes student groups that provide opportunities for members to explore their future careers and build professional networks.

Undergraduate Award Recipient:

Food and Bioproducts Engineering Organization #643

"The Food and Bioproducts Engineering Organization fosters an interaction between bioproducts engineering students, builds relationships with industry connections, and offers an opportunity to participate in national events, student newsletters, and other outreach activities."

Graduate Award Recipient:

Public Health Advocacy Student Alliance (PHASA) #3933

"The Public Health Advocacy Student Alliance (PHASA) student organization strives to provide students from all Health Science programs with opportunities to develop advocacy skills, practice advocacy in the community, and expand their interdisciplinary professional network. PHASA accomplishes these goals through educational training sessions, expert panels with diverse providers and community members, and hands-on volunteering events. PHASA does not take definitive positions on advocacy topics because the board wants all students to feel welcome to come and learn how to advocate for what they or their communities care about most. PHASA aims to cultivate a community of (future) healthcare providers who are passionate and equipped to address health disparities across Minnesota."

Excellence in Civic Engagement

This award recognizes student groups that show a commitment to civic engagement and the civic engagement of its members.

Undergraduate Award Recipient:

Railroad Club at the University of Minnesota #856

"The Railroad Club advocates on behalf of real-world transportation, land use, and sustainability, connecting its members with involvement and public outreach opportunities throughout the state."

Graduate Award Recipient:

U Link #450

"U Link provides early intervention for youth who are at higher risk of experiencing homelessness, foster-care, human-trafficking, and/or involvement in the juvenile justice system in vulnerable communities. This will be accomplished through mentorship, educational workshops, research, and community awareness campaigns while partnering and collaborating with local affiliate organizations."

Excellence in Community Building

This award recognizes groups that build communities to create a sense of belonging for its members and the University community at large.

Undergraduate Award Recipient:

College of Biological Sciences Student Board #1470

"The CBS Student Board advocates for the interests of the CBS Student Body through representation and collaboration with other organizations within CBS and with increased involvement in the greater University environment. The CBS Student Board works to provide support for student success and well-being, CBS-related organizations, and the current and future needs of CBS students to enrich their college experiences."

Graduate Award Recipient:

Plant Pathology Graduate Student Organization

"The mission of the Plant Pathology Graduate Student Organization is to foster a collaborative and enriching academic environment for graduate students in the Department of Plant Pathology. The mission shall be achieved through activities for personal and professional development, leadership, and collaborative skills, including but not limited to journal club meetings, seminar exchanges, networking events, lectures, fundraising activities, social and outreach events, and others focused on plant diseases and the biology of plant-microbe interactions to ensure the sustainability of agriculture, forest, and natural ecosystems for the benefit of society."

Excellence in Health and Wellness

This award recognizes groups that have an outstanding impact on the health and wellness of its members and/or community at large.

Undergraduate Award Recipient:

American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) Student Chapter #1652

"The mission of the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) Student Chapter- University of Minnesota is to cultivate, promote, and sustain the art and science of dental hygiene, to represent and safeguard the common interest of the members of the dental hygiene profession, and to contribute toward the improvement of the oral health of the public."

Graduate Award Recipient:

Student American Veterinary Medical Association #319

"The Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) exists to support, empower, and inspire all veterinary students to improve their lives, education, and careers, along with securing a better future for our profession through collaboration with our parent organization, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The Minnesota chapter is active in community philanthropic efforts, offers student externship and travel grants, hosts informative lunch seminars, plans social events, and supports student camaraderie."

Excellence in Leadership Development

This award recognizes groups that have gone above and beyond in supporting and developing the leadership capabilities of its members.

Undergraduate Award Recipient:

Society of Women Engineers #178

"The mission of the Society of Women Engineers is to empower women to achieve their full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, expand the image of the engineering and technology professions as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrate the value of diversity and inclusion."

Graduate Award Recipient:

Phillips Neighborhood Clinic #1487

"The mission of Phillips Neighborhood Clinic is three-fold: We will increase accessibility of comprehensive, patient-centered, quality health services to patients with unmet needs. We will develop compassionate, culturally sensitive future health professionals in an interprofessional, team-based learning environment. We will support community partnerships and promote overall health and well-being in the communities we serve. The patients we serve at the PNC come from a diverse array of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Our goal in making PNC services available to our patients is to provide everyone the opportunity to receive free, quality health care regardless of their insurance situation, citizenship status, or financial background. Because our patient population is largely Spanish-speaking, we offer Spanish interpreter services every night the clinic is open. Patients visiting the clinic have access to some of the best physicians in Minnesota. Through partnerships with Fairview and surrounding hospitals, the PNC is able to offer patients nearly any lab test and many prescriptions free of cost. Patients visiting the clinic are also encouraged to take advantage of physical therapy, nutrition, and mental health counseling services. In addition to these services, the PNC offers its patients guidance in securing resources that will help patients and their families find more stable sources of health care and ways to access other community supports in an effort to help them live safe, healthy, and independent lives. Because the PNC is not meant to be a primary care facility, we do our best to help our patients take the necessary steps to find a regular source of health care. Until this is achieved, however, we owe it to our patients to provide the best care we can in a professional manner."

Excellence in Recreation and Entertainment

This award recognizes student groups that excel in their work to create a fun, entertaining, and positive environment for its members and/or the community at large.

Undergraduate Award Recipient:

Black Student Union #243

"The mission of the Black Student Union is to embrace Blackness in all its forms. We strive to create unity, lift and serve the community, and set the standard of excellence."

Excellence in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice

This award recognizes groups that have a commitment to supporting issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in their groups and the University community at large.

Undergraduate Award Recipient:

Korean International Student Organization #968

"The Korean International Student Group (KISO) is an organization of the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities for Korean students studying abroad and students who are interested or simply enthusiastic about Korean culture. We are a vibrant and inclusive organization that celebrates Korean heritage, fosters cultural exchange, and creates a supportive community for international students interested in Korea. KISO is more than just a student group; we are a family away from home. Our mission is to promote Korean culture, strengthen bonds among international students, and contribute to the cultural diversity of our campus and the broader community. We warmly welcome all students who have an interest in Korea, regardless of their background or nationality. KISO is committed to giving back to our local and global communities. We organize volunteer opportunities and charitable events to make a positive impact. We are also devoted to supporting the students to gain insights into Korean history, current affairs, and contemporary issues through our informative workshops and seminars."

Graduate Award Recipient:

Medical Students for Size Inclusivity at the University of Minnesota #4405

"Medical Students for Size Inclusivity (MSSI) at the University of Minnesota is a chapter of the national MSSI student organization, an interscholastic community of medical students raising awareness about the interplay between eating disorders and weight bias in medicine. Our mission is to educate future physicians about the harms of diet culture and weight discrimination in the healthcare system and to advocate for equitable care on behalf of patients in larger bodies. Our goals include advocacy among current and future healthcare providers, community outreach and education, student-led research, and medical school curricular reform.

Our vision is a healthcare system that is equitable and inclusive of all patients, regardless of body weight, shape, and size. We hope to ensure that all future healthcare providers are well-equipped to recognize the signs and symptoms of eating disorders, regardless of a patient’s body size, and to advocate on behalf of these patients."

Excellent Student Group Advisor

This award recognizes an outstanding advisor of a student group who has gone above and beyond to assist their group in accomplishing its mission and goals.

Undergraduate Student Group Advisor Award Recipient:

Marc Skjervem - Science and Engineering Student Board #322

The Science and Engineering Student Board have this to say about their excellent advisor: “Marc offers a unique perspective to the Science and Engineering Student Board. He answers questions internally from board members about initiative-focused work within CSE, and he provides updates externally to student group leaders regarding CSE. Marc is diligent about attending weekly meetings, both with the President and Vice President, as well as the entire board. He is eager to participate in semesterly CSE Town Halls hosted by SESB, where he answers big-picture questions from students regarding student engagement and experiences.

Marc has acted as an excellent resource for conflict resolution that arises both internally and externally to the board. He advises both myself and our Vice-President in a supportive manner that is inclusive to all. Marc actively provides feedback to us and the rest of our board, encouraging our ongoing growth and success as student leaders. Even if there is an idea he does not agree with, he brainstorms alternative approaches with us to achieve our intentions. This has been especially true when student leaders are navigating difficult conversations. He is able to provide students with guidance while also giving them space to independently develop their leadership skills.

Marc encourages professional relationships between CSE Deans, staff members, and student leaders within the College. He is eager to provide introductions to help students and staff connect with intention.”

2023 Nominated Student Groups

Nominated Student Groups

*Indicates that they are nominated for more than one category

  • Kappa Eta Kappa, Beta chapter, Inc. #398
  • Engineers Without Borders (EWB) - UMN Chapter #1469*
  • Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student Association #4620*
  • American Medical Student Association--Pre-Med Minneapolis Chapter #54*
  • POLY PMSE #3586
  • Medical Students for Size Inclusivity at the University of Minnesota #4405*
  • Alpha Chi Sigma #233
  • Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) #3489*
  • Global Surgery Student Alliance #4330
  • Undergraduate Physiology Society #2406
  • Pre-Dental Club at the University of Minnesota #977*
  • Alpha Kappa Psi #629
  • Food and Bioproducts Engineering Organization #643
  • Artificial Intelligence Innovator's Society #4732
  • Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers at UMN #2344*
  • GIS Student Organization #817
  • Public Health Advocacy Student Alliance #3933*
  • Science and Engineering Student Board #322*
  • Society of Women Engineers #178*
  • University of Minnesota Robotics #2467
  • Orthopedic Surgery Interest Group #2559
  • Social Coding #3660
  • National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) #318
  • Economics Student Organization #55
  • Railroad Club at the University of Minnesota #856
  • Graduate Women in Biomedical Engineering #2633*
  • Respectacle at UMN #4640*
  • Project Dinkytown #4678*
  • U Link #450
  • Aging Studies Interdisciplinary Group (ASIG) #4510
  • Gift of Life - Minnesota #4710
  • International Buddy Program #2180
  • United Mission for Relief and Development at the University of Minnesota #4239
  • WAM Collective #2798
  • Camp Kesem-Minnesota #2799
  • World Cafe #4573
  • Globe #1976
  • Letters of Love at the University of Minnesota #4488
  • Al-Madinah Cultural Center #612*
  • Plant Pathology Graduate Student Organization #811
  • Acts of Kindness #4668
  • Vietnamese Student Association of Minnesota #169
  • Chill Chess & Coffee Club (CC&CC) #4670*
  • Arab Student Association #4350*
  • Association of First-Generation Graduate Students #4645
  • Nigerian Student Association #4571
  • Cru #1035
  • College of Biological Sciences Student Board #1470
  • The Council of International Graduate Students (CIGS) #3272
  • University of Minnesota NeuroNetwork #4665
  • University of Minnesota SAVMA Chapter #319
  • Men's Lacrosse Club #522
  • Phillips Neighborhood Clinic #1487*
  • Yogis in STEM #4646
  • The American Dental Hygiene Association (ADHA) Student Chapter #1652
  • Mobile Health Student Interest Group #4684
  • Scholars of Finance #4056
  • Knitting and Crochet Club #4528
  • Multiracial Student Union at the University of Minnesota #4729*
  • MinnProv #2513
  • StudioU #3363
  • Copter Club #3245
  • Black Student Union #243
  • Vocal U A Cappella #2808
  • Urban Sound A Cappella #3186
  • Indian Student Association #10
  • Jazba Entertainment #3357
  • Korean International Student Organization #968
  • Students for Justice in Palestine #2693

Excellent Student Group Advisor

  • Nabil Khan - The AI Club #4562
  • Danna Paulson - The American Dental Hygiene Association (ADHA) Student Chapter #1652
  • Paul Imbertson - National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) #318
  • Dr. Vincent Barnett - Undergraduate Physiology Society #2406
  • Marc Skjervem - Science and Engineering Student Board #322