The Annual Day of Student Recognition
The History of the Day of Student Recognition
In the year 1900, only 7 years after Montana State College was founded, the senior
men and women proceeded across campus in their caps and gowns as part of their graduation
ceremony. During this processional, seniors stopped at various buildings where department
heads and top students gave speeches.
In 1912, wands wrapped with blue and gold ribbon were presented to the graduating
senior women who then participated in a “Wand Dance” to symbolize their departure.
In May of 1923, the campus of Montana State College witnessed its first Women’s Day.
Under the direction of Una B. Herrick, the first Dean of Women, this unique Women’s
Day Ceremony was established and continued as an annual tradition. During those early
programs, physical education and physical fitness were emphasized, with awards going
to outstanding female college athletes. At that time, the senior wand dance was incorporated
into Women’s Day as the “Blue and Gold Processional”, and was performed by the “Cap
and Gown Society” (formed in June 1920).
In 1927, the Cap and Gown Society became the 27th chapter of Mortar Board in the country.
Mortar Board was made up of the top 5 junior women. Mortar Board's male counterpart,
Septemviri, began in 1920 as well. Septemviri is Latin for Seven Men. Septemviri was
awarded to the top 7 outstanding junior men, on the basis of scholarship, leadership,
activities and personality. The year 2020 will mark the 100th anniversary of Mortar
Board and Septemviri on the MSU campus.
The Original Women’s Day has changed significantly over its long history. The emphasis
on physical fitness and athletic achievements declined and the program evolved into
a campus wide event recognizing students for their achievements in leadership, service
and scholarship.
In 1977, for the first time, awards recognizing men were included with major awards
for men added in 1982.
The name was changed in 1983 to the Montana State University Day of Student Recognition.
102nd Annual Day of Student Recognition Awards
April 30th, 2025
View 2024 Award Recipients
| Ethelyn C. Harrison Award |
| Lawrence Hiller Scholarship |
| Earlene Hart Memorial Scholarship |
| Erma Lessel Junior Award |
| Erma Lessel Senior Award |
| Max Worthington Service Award |
| Roland R. Renne Award |
| Roskie Memorial Scholarship |
| Septemviri |
| Una. B Herrick Award |
| Val G. Glynn Award |
| Honors College Exemplary Leadership and Service Award |
| Spirit Activism Award |
| Spirit Outstanding Student Award |
| Outstanding Student Worker - Disability Services |
| VOICE Center Empowerment Award |
| Clifton Award |
| Montana Student Volunteer Award |
| Graduate Excellence Award - Land Grant Excellence |
| Gold Standard MSU Student Employment Award |
| Outstanding Freshman Service Award |
| Outstanding Junior Service Award |
| Outstanding Sophomore Service Award |
| USH Calmer of Storms Award |
| USH Pinnacle Award |
| Outstanding Health Advocacy Award |
| USH Pinnacle Award |
| International Undergraduate Excellence Award |
| International Graduate Excellence Award |
| Advocats of the Year |
| Orientation Leaders of the Year |
| Fraternity New Member of the Year |
| Sorority New Member of the Year |
| President's Award for Gender Equity |
| Bobcat Family Fellows Scholarship |
| Montana Future Leaders Award |
| Christy Foundation Scholarship |
| Outstanding Freshman Leadership Award |
| Outstanding Sophomore Leadership Award |
| Student Organization Leader of the Year |
| Sorority of the Year |
| Fraternity of the Year |
| Women's Center Student of Achievement Award |
| Outstanding Junior Leadership Award |
| Student Organization of the Year |
| USH Outstanding Peer Leadership Award |
| Emerging Leadership Award |
| Global Ambassador Award |
| Blue & Gold Leadership Awards |
| Fraternity Member of the Year |
| Sorority Member of the Year |
| Graduate Excellence Award - Teaching Excellence |
| AYCSS Teaching and Mentoring Award |
| Graduate Excellence Award - Scholarship Excellence |
