Nominations are open for OU’s most prestigious student awards

Nominations for the Alfred G. and Matilda R. Wilson Awards, as well as the Human Relations Award, are now open. Nominations may be submitted online through January 30, 2026. Applications are due February 13, 2026.

Among OU's most prestigious honors, the Wilson and Human Relations Awards evoke the virtue of the university's mission and goals. The annual awards are given to outstanding undergraduate students who demonstrate strong leadership and scholarship, as well as responsible citizenship in the community.

Strong candidates for the Wilson Awards will have made significant contributions to campus life and have expressed an interest in the social problems of society and the community. This includes extracurricular volunteer activities, student organizations and other social initiatives.

Students must have maintained a minimum 3.5 grade point average and have completed their academic work in the Summer or Fall 2025 terms, or will complete their academic work by Winter 2026 to be eligible for nomination.

The Wilson Awards have been given out annually since 1965 to honor the Wilson family, who contributed land and support to help found Oakland University. Recipients of the Wilson Award receive a $1,000 award.

The annually presented Human Relations Award recognizes an Oakland graduate or graduating senior who has demonstrated significant leadership abilities in advancing harmony within the university community. A student who honors and promotes diversity among people of different cultures, races, genders and sexual orientations will be an excellent candidate. Their contributions may include conflict resolution within or among groups and increased understanding of cultures, groups and nations. The major consideration of the award is the individual's service to the campus community.

Nominees must have maintained a minimum GPA of 2.5 to apply. The Human Relations Award recipient receives a $500 award.

Students may be nominated by peers, faculty or staff and may also self-nominate. Once nominated, students will be contacted by the Dean of Students office on how to complete the application process.

For more information, visit the Wilson and Human Relations Awards web page or call the Dean of Students office at (248) 370-3352.