Apply for 2026 Presidential Medal Awards
President Neville Pinto invites graduating students to apply for top awards
UC President Neville Pinto invites eligible students to apply for two of our university’s top awards — the Presidential Leadership Medal of Excellence (for undergraduate students) and the Presidential Medal of Graduate Student Excellence (for graduate and professional students).
UC President Neville Pinto
These awards are bestowed upon those students who best exemplify scholarship, leadership, character, service and the ideals of the University of Cincinnati. Awardees are invited to a special Spring dinner and recognition ceremony hosted by President Pinto. Winners will also be recognized during Spring or Summer 2026 Commencement ceremonies.
Recent or soon-to-graduate UC students, are encouraged to review the detailed qualifications and consider applying for this prestigious honor.
Application Details
Presidential Leadership Medal of Excellence (undergraduate)
Presidential Medal of Graduate Student Excellence
The application period is now through November 3 for the undergraduate award. The applicatoin period for the graduate and professional students award opens in November.
Featured image at top: President Pinto stands with the 2024 awardees of the Presidential Leadership Medal of Excellence and the Presidential Medal of Graduate Student Excellence.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Tags
- College-Conservatory of Music
- College of Pharmacy
- College of Medicine
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Allied Health Sciences
- Office of Research
- College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies
- College of Education, Criminal Justice, & Human Services
- UC Online
- Alumni Association
- Blue Ash College
- Clermont College
- College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning
- Graduate College
- College of Law
- President's Office
- College of Nursing
- Lindner College of Business
- College of Engineering and Applied Science
Related Stories
Mistakes to avoid when shopping for a product dupe
August 13, 2026
The University of Cincinnati’s Kelly Dobos was featured in an AARP article discussing ways to determine if “dupe” cosmetic products really are comparable to the more expensive name brand.
Jason Kelce selected for UC Athletics’ 50th Anniversary Hall of Fame Class
August 13, 2026
University of Cincinnati football great Jason Kelce has been selected for induction into UC's James P. Kelly Athletics Hall of Fame as the final member of 50th Anniversary Class of 2026.
Ancient warming event hints at potential climate tipping point
August 12, 2026
Researchers say a spike in temperatures during an ice age 304 million years ago could inform what climate scientists are learning about rapidly changing conditions today.