Graduate Student Excellence Awards

The Office of Graduate Studies is pleased to recognize outstanding mentorship, civic engagement, scholarship, service, research, and teaching assistance through it's Graduate Student Excellence Awards. These awards recognize Drexel's high performing graduate students from across the University and their commitment to the University's mission. The Office of Graduate Studies appoints a diverse group of faculty and professional staff representing Drexel's Colleges and Schools to review nominations and select University-level awardees based on the evaluation criteria. See this year's review committee members listed below. Awards are usually distributed each year at the annual Graduate Student Excellence Awards Ceremony & Reception.

2025-2026 Awards Cycle

Submissions for the 2025-2026 awards cycle are now open.

Submit a Nomination

Submissions are due by 12 p.m. EDT Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Awardees will be announced on or around May 11, 2026.

Questions? Contact gradawards@drexel.edu

Outstanding Mentorship Awards

In partnership with the Undergraduate Research & Enrichment Programs in the Pennoni Honors College, the Outstanding Graduate Student Mentorship Awards are presented to graduate and professional students (master's and/or doctoral level) who have shown an outstanding commitment to mentoring, developing and supporting undergraduate and/or new or junior graduate students.

Learn More about Outstanding Mentorship Awards

Drexel Common Good Award

In partnership with the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement, the Drexel Common Good Award is presented to graduate and professional students (master's and/or doctoral level) who demonstrates academic excellence and who are committed to improving the world around them by making contributions to local, national or global communities through scholarship, civic engagement, or community building.

Learn More about Drexel Common Good Award

Research Excellence Awards

Research Excellence Awards are presented to graduate and professional students (master's and doctoral level) who have completed original, innovative research, scholarship and/or creativity during their career at Drexel.

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Outstanding Dissertation Awards

The Outstanding Dissertation Awards are presented to doctoral-level students who have written original, innovative dissertations that reflect great research and have or are likely to be disseminated widely and have significant impact on the field and society.

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Teck-Kah Lim Award

Teck-Kah Lim, PhD, is the former Associate Vice Provost of Graduate Studies and Professor Emeritus in the Department of Physics. The Teck-Kah Lim Graduate Student Excellence Award is presented to graduate and professional students (master's and/or doctoral level) who show promise of future meaningful contributions to local, national or global communities as can be gleaned from present academic excellence and achievements in research and/or teaching, as well as outstanding selfless service to peers, and the local community.

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Teaching Assistant Excellence Awards

Teaching Assistant Excellence Awards are presented to graduate and professional students (master's and/or doctoral level) who serve as Teaching Assistants or Teaching Fellows (TAs/TFs) and who exhibit exemplary commitment to student learning through reflective teaching practices, creative and innovative teaching methods, academic support, leadership and a commitment to their own professional growth and development as an educator.

Learn More about Teaching Assistant Excellence Awards