Each year, the Office of Community Engagement proudly recognizes students, faculty, staff, and community partners whose dedication and leadership create meaningful, lasting impact. Building on a strong tradition of recognition through Iowa & Minnesota Campus Compact and the Seed Coalition, these awards now continue through the University of Iowa’s Office of Community Engagement— honoring individuals and partners whose work creates meaningful, lasting change in communities.

Award Types

Beginning in 2026, the Awards for Community Engagement will be presented by the University of Iowa’s Office of Community Engagement in the following categories:

• Faculty Leadership Award in Community Engagement recognizes a faculty member, academic leader, or faculty-led group (e.g., advisory committee, task force, project team) that advances community-engaged teaching, research, and scholarship. This award honors those who build reciprocal community partnerships, integrate engagement into curriculum and academic work, mentor others in community-engaged practices, and help embed engagement as a core component of the university’s academic mission.
• Staff Leadership Award in Community Engagement recognizes a staff member or staff-led group that strengthens community engagement through program development, partnership coordination, and institutional support. This award honors those who create and sustain effective community-university collaborations, expand opportunities for engagement across campus, and help cultivate a culture where community engagement is accessible, supported, and impactful.
• Student Leadership Award in Community Engagement recognizes an individual student or student organization that demonstrates outstanding leadership in fostering meaningful connections between campus and community. Recipients are distinguished by their commitment to reciprocity and the cultivation of mutually beneficial partnerships, working collaboratively with community members to address shared priorities.
• Outstanding Community Partner Award recognizes a community-based partner or organization whose collaboration with the university exemplifies shared purpose and collective impact. This award recognizes those who bring community expertise, leadership, and perspective to the partnership, helping to co-create opportunities that advance learning, strengthen communities, and generate meaningful outcomes.