How to apply
The application period for the 2021 awards is open from Monday, February 8 to Friday, March 5, 2021.
All completed packets must be submitted no later than 5:00 pm., February 26, 2021 to dawn.kingdon@austin.utexas.edu
Nominations
Faculty and staff may nominate a student for one or both awards.
The nomination period for the 2021 awards will open on Monday, February 8 and close on Friday, February 19, 2021.
Pal—Make A Difference Award
The Pal-Make A Difference Award is presented annually to a UT-Austin student whose individual program or initiative has made a significant contribution to campus life or the broader community.
The Pal—Make a Difference Award is an endowed award, established in 2006 by University Unions Advisory Council member Jaspreet Singh Pal (BBA ’95) to encourage university leadership and public service. It is presented annually to a student at UT Austin whose individual program or initiative has made a significant contribution to campus life or the broader community.
The recipient will be awarded $1000 and a certificate.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Current enrollment at The University of Texas at Austin
- Submission of a completed application by the March 5, 2021, 5:00 pm deadline (note this deadline has been extended due to the recent weather-related closure).
The application consists of:
- Candidate information form
- Personal statement describing a specific program or initiative that benefited UT campus life or the broader community
- One letter of recommendation from a University of Texas faculty, staff or fellow student
- Access the application packet online
J. J. "Jake" Pickle Citizenship Award
The J.J. "Jake" Pickle Citizenship Award is presented annually to a UT-Austin student whose cumulative and notable contributions to campus life exemplify the high standards of leadership and service that were the hallmarks of the life and career of Congressman Jake Pickle.
2021’s recipient of the Pickle award is Ryan Hurt. Ryan majored in Government and Plan II Honors. The committee that selected Ryan to achieve the award were impressed with his commitment to public service and civic engagement as demonstrated through the positions he has held in campus organizations and offices. He has served as an admissions ambassador, president of Absolute Texxas and director of enrollment management advisory board, hook the vote director for UT student government and several other service positions at UT-Austin.
Ryan has done policy research and his essay on the future of higher education and the workforce – post-COVID – was insightful and social justice themed.
As a recipient of the Pickle award, Ryan will receive $5,000, a certificate, and an autographed copy of Congressman Pickle’s autobiography, Jake.”
The J. J. "Jake" Pickle Citizenship Award is an endowed student award created by the University Unions Advisory Council in 1999. It is presented annually to a student at UT Austin whose cumulative, notable contributions to campus life over a period of time exemplify the high standards of leadership and service that were the hallmarks of the life and career of Congressman J. J. "Jake" Pickle.
The recipient will be awarded $5000, a certificate, and an autographed copy of Congressman Pickle’s autobiography, Jake.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Good academic standing
- Current enrollment as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student (exception: full-time status is not a requirement for graduating seniors)
- Submission of a completed application by the March 5, 2021, 5:00 pm deadline (note this deadline has been extended due to the recent weather-related closure).
(Note: scholarship and academic performance are not considered beyond good academic standing)
The application consists of:
- One-page personal statement that highlights UT campus involvement and leadership activities, and describes organization and club memberships
- Candidate information form (enclosed in application packet)
- Résumé
- Two letters of recommendation
- 750-word essay on a specified topic (see application for details)
- Access the application packet online