Celebrate Excellence at Golden Broncos 2026
Golden Broncos 2026
Each year, the Office of Student Engagement (OSE) at Western Michigan University (WMU) honors the student leaders and organizations that shape campus life through Golden Broncos. This annual awards ceremony recognizes excellence, leadership, collaboration, and impact across Registered Student Organizations (RSOs).
Golden Broncos 2026 will take place on April 9 in the Student Center. The event brings together student leaders, advisors, and campus partners to celebrate the work that happens behind the scenes and on the main stage.
Nominations are due by March 8.
Why Golden Broncos Matters
Student organizations drive engagement, belonging, and leadership development. Golden Broncos creates space to recognize:
- Innovative programming
- Strong partnerships
- Dedicated advisors
- Emerging student leaders
- Organizations committed to sustainability and collaboration
Recognition does more than celebrate a moment. It highlights models of excellence that strengthen the entire RSO community.
Award Categories
Organizations and individuals may be nominated for the following awards:
- Greek Emerging Leader
- Advisor of the Year
- Best New RSO
- Greek Chapter of the Year
- Bassey Offiong Student Leader Award
- Best Non Student Assessment Fee (SAF) Collaboration
- First Year Student Leader of the Year
- Greek Leader of the Year
- Sean and Christine Davenport Nicholl Outstanding Leader
- Best SAF Agency Collaboration
- Publication of the Year
- Recreational Sports Team of the Year
- Recreational Student Athlete of the Year
- RSO Most Committed to Sustainability
- RSO of the Year
Each category reflects a different dimension of student engagement, from collaboration and innovation to sustained leadership and impact.
Who Should Submit a Nomination
- RSO members
- Executive board leaders
- Advisors
- Campus partners
- Fellow students
If you have seen an organization or leader make a difference, this is the opportunity to elevate their work.
How to Nominate
Nominations are submitted through ExperienceWMU. Review the award descriptions carefully, provide detailed examples, and submit before March 8.
When writing a nomination:
- Describe the impact.
- Provide specific examples.
- Highlight measurable outcomes when possible.
- Explain how the nominee reflects WMU values and leadership.
Clear, detailed nominations help the selection committee understand the full scope of a nominee’s contributions.
Join Us on April 9
Golden Broncos is more than an awards ceremony. It is a celebration of the energy, creativity, and commitment that RSOs bring to Western Michigan University.
Mark your calendar for April 9 in the Student Center. Submit nominations by March 8.
Take a moment to recognize the leaders and organizations who move our campus forward.