The Outstanding Legacy Project Award recognizes a registered American Public University (APU) student organization that has created, completed, and registered an exceptional Legacy Project through the Office of Student and Alumni Affairs.
Legacy Projects are designed to create a lasting contribution to the University community. Whether establishing a new tradition, developing a sustainable resource, enhancing student engagement, or creating a meaningful service initiative, these projects reflect a student organization's commitment to making a positive impact that extends beyond its current membership.
This award celebrates student organizations whose Legacy Projects demonstrate vision, collaboration, innovation, and a lasting benefit to the APU community.
One student organization is selected annually to receive this distinguished honor.
The Outstanding Legacy Project Award may be presented annually. However, if no application sufficiently meets the established criteria, the award may not be presented.
Applicant organizations must:
- Be a currently registered APU student organization in good standing.
- Have completed and officially registered a Legacy Project through the Office of Student and Alumni Affairs.
- Demonstrate that the Legacy Project provides a meaningful and lasting benefit to the APU community.
- Meet all Legacy Project requirements established by the Office of Student and Alumni Affairs.
Applications must be submitted on behalf of the student organization by an authorized student organization officer or faculty/staff advisor.
A complete application must include:
- Completed application form.
- A summary of the registered Legacy Project.
- Responses to the following application prompts (maximum 300 words each):
- Project Purpose: What need or opportunity inspired your Legacy Project, and what impact did your organization hope to create?
- Implementation: Describe how your organization planned, executed, and completed the project.
- Lasting Impact: Explain how the project will continue to benefit future students or the APU community beyond your organization's current membership.
- Organizational Growth: Describe how completing the Legacy Project strengthened your organization and contributed to its mission.
Supporting documentation may include photographs, project materials, promotional materials, participant feedback, assessment results, testimonials, or other evidence demonstrating the project's implementation and long-term impact.
All application materials must be submitted by the published deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Applications are reviewed by the University Awards Committee using a standardized evaluation rubric.
The committee evaluates each Legacy Project based on:
- Overall purpose and significance.
- Planning, collaboration, and execution.
- Innovation and creativity.
- Long-term sustainability.
- Demonstrated impact on the APU community.
- Alignment with the mission and values of APU.
The University Awards Committee selects the top applicants and forwards them to the University President for final review and approval.
- Applications Open: September 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: February 1, 2027
- Committee Review: February–March 2027
- Recipient Notified by: April 1, 2027
- Recognition: Commencement Weekend 2027
Organization receives:
- Recognition during Commencement weekend.
- Individual engraved plaques for chapter officers and chapter advisors.
- Travel and hotel accommodations for one representative in accordance with University award guidelines.
- Recognition in University communications.
Attendance at Commencement is encouraged but not required.
Questions regarding eligibility or the application process may be directed to the University Awards Committee at universityawards@apus.edu.