Building Robust & Inclusive Democracy

Presidential Award for Civic Life

The Presidential Award for Civic Life is the highest recognition for service, leadership, and civic engagement conferred by Tufts University. Each year, Tisch College, in collaboration with partners from across the University, is proud to help select and celebrate outstanding individuals who combined academic achievement with a profound impact on communities near and far, helping to address some of the biggest challenges in our society.

The Presidential Award for Civic Life was established in 1999 by then-President John DiBiaggio. This award recognizes undergraduate and graduate students from across Tufts University for outstanding achievement in community service and community leadership. Each winter, the President solicits nominations for the award from across the university. Students from any undergraduate major and all of the university’s graduate and professional schools are eligible for nomination. Winners are announced in late spring and receive their awards at a celebratory breakfast hosted by the President shortly before the end of the academic year.

Each year, we receive an extraordinary number of nominations, and it is of utmost importance to ensure that the selection process remains equitable, transparent, and representative of the highest standards of achievement. We kindly request that you review the eligibility requirements for 2024:

  • Nominations will be open to Tufts undergraduate students graduating during the spring, summer, or fall 2024 term.
  • Reviewers will take into consideration work done over the course of a student's entire Tufts career. This does not include projects required of degree tracks.

2024 Presidential Award for Civic Life Recipients