Ideal Graduate Celebration3:30-5 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 2025
The annual Ideal Graduate Celebration honors students who have excelled in their personal and professional development. Whether they’ve made a difference on campus, in the community, or through non-traditional experiences, the celebration aims to showcase their achievements and contributions.
Anyone can nominate a student to be recognized at the celebration, including faculty, staff, peers, supervisors, mentors and community members. Students are also encouraged to share their own stories and apply for recognition. All OSU students — regardless of their major, role, level of involvement or year in school — are eligible. The deadline for nominations and applications is Friday, Feb. 28, 2025.
This year's celebration is from 3:30-5 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center. All students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to attend.
Recognition Categories
The following categories are key focus areas for an Ideal Graduate. If you or a student you know has excelled in any of these areas, please submit an application or nomination for recognition. Learn more about the Ideal Graduate initiative.
- Student Employment
Student employment provides an opportunity for students to build a strong work ethic while pursuing their education. These roles offer meaningful experiences that can significantly impact their academic journey, career path and future success.
- Study Abroad
Study abroad experiences are a great way for students to learn about different cultures and ways of life. They are then able to fully understand what it means to be a global citizen and embody the competency of engaged citizenship.
- Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate research offers students the chance to deepen their understanding of a subject, contribute new knowledge, and engage in critical thinking and problem-solving. These experiences allow students to exemplify professional preparedness and ethical leadership by conducting innovative work and adhering to ethical research practices.
- Volunteerism
Volunteering is a powerful way for students to give back to their communities while cultivating the Ideal Graduate competency of engaged citizenship. Through service, students develop empathy, social responsibility, and the ability to positively impact others.
- Internships
Internships provide students with real-world experience, allowing them to apply academic knowledge, develop professional skills and prepare for future careers. Students who excel in internships often exhibit the Ideal Graduate competencies of professional preparedness and personal responsibility, demonstrating initiative, diligence and commitment to learning.
- Leadership
Leadership comes in many forms, from formal positions to informal actions that inspire and guide others. Students who embody ethical leadership make decisions with integrity, lead by example and motivate their peers. Through student organizations, teams, or non-traditional leadership roles, students can make a lasting impact, regardless of whether they hold an official title.
- Competitive Learning
Participation in competitive events, whether academic, professional, or athletic, challenges students to apply their skills, work collaboratively, and strive for excellence. These experiences help students develop the four Ideal Graduate competencies through experiential learning.
- Extension / Land-Grant Mission
Oklahoma State University’s land-grant mission includes a commitment to serving the community through extension and outreach programs. Students who participate in Extension activities embody the Ideal Graduate competency of engaged citizenship by contributing to community education, agricultural innovation and public service.
- Other
Students can exemplify the Ideal Graduate competencies in many non-traditional ways. This includes embodying the competencies and the Cowboy Code by supporting their family’s business, caring for siblings, launching their own business, or other meaningful contributions that highlight resilience, leadership and dedication.