Pickle & Pal Awards

2019 Pal—Make A Difference Award

The 2019 recipient of the Pal - Make a Difference Award is Prasanna Tamminayana. You can read more about Prasanna and all of her accomplishments HERE.

Prasanna Tamminayana after receiving her award.

 

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 February 28, 2020, 5:00 pm deadline

The application consists of:

  • Candidate information form (enclosed in application packet)
  • 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

2019 J. J. "Jake" Pickle Citizenship Award

The 2019 recipient of the J.J. "Jake" Pickle Citizenship Award is Emily Zhang. You can read more about Emily and all of her many accomplishments HERE.

Emily Zhang with Mulu Ferede, University Unions Executive Director and Peggy Pickle, daughter of the late Congressman Pickle.

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 February 28, 2020, 5:00 pm deadline
    (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 enclosure in application packet)
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How to apply

The application periods for both awards run concurrently, and eligible students may apply for both awards. Interested students may pick up an application packet(s) in the University Unions Executive Directors office in the Texas Union building, UNB 4.124. Students MUST pick up the application in person.

The application period for the 2020 awards is open from Monday, February 10 to Friday, February 28, 2020. All completed packets must be submitted no later than 5:00 pm.

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Nominations

Faculty and staff may nominate a student for one or both awards.

The nomination period for the 2020 awards will open on Monday, February 10 and close on Friday, February 28, 2020.

The mission of the University Unions is to enhance the student experience and to enrich campus life by providing cultural, educational, social, and recreational programs as well as related goods and services to the campus community.


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